SMAW · Copper alloy
ECuSn-A
A phosphor bronze rod for joining and overlaying copper alloys, and for building up bearing and wear surfaces where a soft, low friction deposit is wanted.
What the designation means
- E
- Covered electrode for shielded metal arc welding.
- Cu
- A copper base deposit.
- Sn
- Tin as the principal alloying element, producing a phosphor bronze deposit.
- -A
- The lower tin chemistry class within the phosphor bronze family, the companion class carrying a higher tin content and greater hardness.
At a glance
| Process | SMAW |
|---|---|
| Family | Copper alloy |
| Positions | Flat position preferred, with horizontal fillets workable |
| Polarity | DCEP |
| Shielding | Self-shielded by the covering |
| Minimum tensile strength | 35 ksi |
Typical uses
- Joining and repairing bronze and brass castings
- Overlaying bearing surfaces, bushings, and wear plates
- Joining copper alloys to steel or cast iron where a bronze interlayer helps
How it runs
- Fluid puddle that runs easily downhill, so position control matters
- Preheat is usually needed on heavy sections to avoid lack of fusion
- Soft, low friction deposit that machines easily
- Bead is copper coloured with a light slag that lifts readily
Storage and handling
Store sealed and dry; a damp covering causes porosity that is especially obvious in a bronze deposit.
Compare with
SMAWENi-CIA high nickel rod for repairing grey cast iron, laying down a soft deposit that can be machined afterwards and tolerates the carbon picked up from the base metal.SMAWENiFe-CIThe nickel-iron cast iron rod, stronger and more crack resistant than the pure nickel version and the usual choice for ductile iron and heavily restrained repairs.SMAWEFeMn-AA work hardening manganese steel surfacing rod that stays soft and tough as deposited, then hardens dramatically at the surface once impact loading starts.