AK-556NiCrCu Ultra-Low Hydrogen Electrode for Corrosion-Resistant Bridge Steel Q420-NH.
A sodium-type, all-position electrode with low hydrogen coating designed for high toughness weld metal in critical bridge applications using Q420-NH steel.
Product Overview
AK-556NiCrCu is a low hydrogen, sodium-type covered electrode for manual metal arc welding, suitable for all welding positions. It is designed for use with DC reverse polarity and delivers good arc stability and weldability.
The electrode is formulated for welding important bridge structures made from corrosion-resistant steel Q420-NH. The deposited weld metal exhibits high plasticity and toughness, meeting the demands of structural integrity in harsh environments.
It conforms to EN ISO 2560-B E5516 G A, AWS A5.5 E8016-G, and GB/T 5118-1995 E5516-G classifications, with a chemical composition tailored to balance strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
Application: For welding of important bridge corrosion-resistant steel Q420-NH.
Key Benefits
Ultra-Low Hydrogen Coating
The sodium-type coating minimizes hydrogen content in the weld metal, reducing the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking in high-strength and thick-section applications.
High Toughness and Plasticity.
The weld metal maintains good ductility and impact resistance, which is essential for critical bridge structures exposed to dynamic and variable loads.
All-Position Welding Capability
The electrode performs reliably in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions, enabling consistent weld quality across complex joint geometries.
Stable Arc with DC Reverse Polarity.
The electrode operates with a stable arc when used with DC reverse connection, ensuring smooth metal transfer and consistent weld bead formation.
Where It Is Used
- Welding of critical bridge structures made from corrosion-resistant steel Q420-NH.
- Structural fabrication where high toughness and low hydrogen content are required.
- All-position welding in bridge and heavy steel construction.
Who It Is For
- Bridge fabricators and contractors requiring certified consumables for Q420-NH steel.
- Welding distributors supplying electrodes for structural and corrosion-resistant applications.
- Fabrication shops working on heavy steel structures with demanding mechanical property requirements.
Problems It Solves
- Weld metal cracking in high-strength, thick-section joints due to high hydrogen content.
- Inadequate toughness in welds exposed to low temperatures or dynamic loading.
- Need for multiple electrode types to cover different positions on complex bridge structures.
Specifications
Published by the factory for AK-556NiCrCu. Values not shown are not published on the datasheet and are marked as such rather than estimated.
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| Classification | EN ISO 2560-B E5516 G A AWS A5.5 E8016-G GB/T 5118-1995 E5516-G |
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| C | 0.10 |
| Mn | 1.60 |
| P | 0.025 |
| S | 0.020 |
| Si | 0.60 |
| Cr | 0.30-0.90 |
| Ni | 0.20-0.60 |
| Cu | 0.20-0.40 |
Mechanical property data for this grade is not published on the factory datasheet. Ask our technical team for the test record before you qualify it.
| Diameter | Current range |
|---|---|
| 0.8mm | F-70-110A / V(OH)-50-80A |
| 1.0mm | F-100-140A / V(OH)-80-110A |
| 1.2mm | F-140-180A / V(OH)-130-170A |
Technical Features
- Low hydrogen sodium-type coating for reduced risk of hydrogen cracking.
- Deposited metal chemical composition: C 0.10%, Mn 1.60%, P 0.025%, S 0.020%, Si 0.60%, Cr 0.30-0.90%, Ni 0.20-0.60%, Cu 0.20-0.40%
- Suitable for DC reverse polarity welding.
- All-position welding capability
- Conforms to EN ISO 2560-B E5516 G A, AWS A5.5 E8016-G, GB/T 5118-1995 E5516-G.
Use Guide
- Select electrode diameter based on joint thickness and position: 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, or 1.2 mm.
- Use DC reverse polarity with the following current ranges: 0.8 mm – flat 70-110 A, vertical/overhead 50-80 A; 1.0 mm – flat 100-140 A, vertical/overhead 80-110 A; 1.2 mm – flat 140-180 A, vertical/overhead 130-170 A.
- Clean joint surfaces thoroughly from oil, rust, moisture, and paint before welding.
- Store electrodes in sealed packaging and re-bake if exposed to air or moisture before use.
How It Compares
AK-556NiCrCu and E8016-G both belong to the same AWS classification and are low hydrogen electrodes for high-strength steel. AK-556NiCrCu is specifically formulated for corrosion-resistant bridge steel Q420-NH with added Ni and Cu for improved environmental resistance. Cellulosic electrodes offer deeper penetration but higher hydrogen levels and are not suitable for critical applications requiring low hydrogen. Basic electrodes provide high toughness but require strict drying and are less forgiving in field conditions.
Related Grades
Other welding electrodes in the same family.
AK-556NiCrCu Questions
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Request a Quotation for AK-556NiCrCu
Send the diameter, the quantity and the destination port. Our technical team replies with packing, pricing and the data you need to qualify the grade.