SMAW · Cast iron
ENiFe-CI
The 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.
What the designation means
- E
- Covered electrode for shielded metal arc welding.
- NiFe
- A nickel-iron core wire at roughly half nickel and half iron, giving a stronger and more ductile deposit than pure nickel.
- -CI
- Classified for welding cast iron.
At a glance
| Process | SMAW |
|---|---|
| Family | Cast iron |
| Positions | All positions, best controlled in the flat |
| Polarity | DCEN, or AC |
| Shielding | Self-shielded by the covering |
| Minimum tensile strength | — |
Typical uses
- Repairs on ductile and nodular cast iron
- Heavily restrained cast iron sections where a pure nickel deposit would crack
- Joining cast iron to steel where a tougher deposit is needed
How it runs
- Higher strength and ductility than the pure nickel cast iron deposit
- Lower thermal contraction, which reduces residual stress on cooling
- Machinable, though harder than a pure nickel deposit
- Still requires short beads, peening, and slow cooling
Storage and handling
Keep in sealed packaging in a dry, warm store; wet coverings promote porosity and hydrogen assisted cracking in the casting.
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.SMAWECuSn-AA 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.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.