Various parameters have to be considered during welding rod selection; the welding rod has to match the mechanical properties and chemical composition of the base metal, joint geometry, welding position, cost, and operational condition are also taken into consideration during the selection process.E6010, E6011,  E6013 are the most common electrodes in use. 

E 6010 Welding Electrode

E 6010 welding rod deposits molten metal which solidifies rapidly; therefore, the electrode is categorized as a fast freezing electrode. As the welds made tend to solidify fast, the electrode requires a skilled welder to produce a sound weld. 

E 6010 electrode is a general-purpose electrode performs welding in all positions and efficiently in vertical-up and over-head positions; however, the electrode deposition rate is not high. The electrode arc is easy to control and produce flat weld bead with light slag formation.

E 6010 is used with DC current, the advantages of the E 6010 electrode that it produces deep penetration welding and can be used on painted, galvanized, and unclean surfaces. 

E 6011 Welding Electrode

E 6011 electrode is also categorized as a fast freezing electrode. E 6011 electrode is a general-purpose electrode performs welding in all positions and efficiently in vertical-up and over-head positions; it is used mainly for sheet metal welding and low silicon deposit application. The electrode arc is easy to control and produces a flat weld bead with light slag formation.

E 6011 can be used with either AC or DC current. The electrode produces deep penetration welding and can be used on painted, galvanized, and unclean surfaces. 

E 6013 Welding Electrode

E 6013 electrode is as E 6012 categorized as a fill-freezing electrode. The electrode is exactly like E 6012; however, it is easier to use and produce better appearance welds with minimal spatter.