Electrode Configurer – Electrode Shape

Your next step can be simple… or hard.  It really depends on your application.  if you have a simple set up (like welding two flat sheets together), then you can use Straight electrodes.  If you have a complex set up (like trying to weld a small flange inside of a box), you will need bent or offset electrodes.

Simple Set Up (Two Flat Sheets of Steel)

If you have a simple set up, the very most common (and best) electrodes to use are Straight electrodes.  These are better than bent or offset electrodes because they do not bend or deflect under force.  They also typically stay cooler than bent electrodes and are easier to to use with internal Water Cooling Tubes.

You will notice that, even among Straight electrodes, there is still a wide array of selections available.  However, to make it easy, the most common and best is typically the “Pointed Nose”.  The other electrode faces excel if you are welding Stainless Steel or Aluminum, if you need one weld face to have an “invisible” weld, if you’re welding in a shallow corner of flange, or if you are using an electrode holder requiring an Angled nose electrode.

Pointed Nose Electrode

More Complicated Set Up (Flanges, Stampings, Expanded Metal, Perforated Metal, Tubing, Boxes, or otherwise difficult to reach spaces)

There are so many electrode shapes available, it can really make your head spin.  There is rarely a case where one of these electrode shapes will not work for you.  These are all designed for unusual tooling requirements of all the various configurations thrown at spot welders over the years.  See some examples below. If you need one of these, you will likely have to dig into the catalog yourself to find the right dimensions for your engineering specification.  Call us if you’re stuck.

Now that you know your Electrode Shape, please continue to the Electrode Copper Alloy.