AgroTec / AgroTec – E
ELECTRIC ARC – SMAW Process

• Remove rust, dirt, grease, oil, and other contaminants from the surface to be protected.

• Previous hardfacing deposits must be removed using a wire brush, sandblaster, grinder, etc.
  If it’s not possible to completely remove old deposits, apply a buttering or rebuilding layer before hardfacing.

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Preheating Guidelines:

• Manganese steels: Never exceed 260 °C

• Cast iron: Preheat up to 450 °C and maintain temperature throughout the process

• Low-alloy steels: Preheat to 150–250 °C

Preheating prevents detachment, cracks in the weld metal or base metal, and hydrogen-induced porosity.
Maintain recommended temperatures during the hardfacing process, including interpass temperature.
Allow the part to cool slowly to reduce residual stress.
Insulate the part using dry sand, vermiculite, or dry lime.
Cracks that may appear do not affect product performance.

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Dilution

Excessive penetration or dilution reduces hardness, hardfacing efficiency, and may cause cracking or embrittlement.

To reduce dilution:

• Avoid excessive current/amperage

• Aim the arc at the weld pool instead of the base metal

• Use low amperage and a “push” technique to control the pool

• Overlap beads by 50% to 75%

• Preheat to recommended temperatures

• Avoid overly thick deposits—they do not improve wear resistance and may crack or break off quickly

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Deformation

Heat from the process can deform the part and affect its functionality.
Use clamping methods and welding procedures that prevent deformation.
Preheat slowly and evenly.

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Recommended Parameters

• Amperage:
  150–160 A for 5 mm rods
  120–150 A for 3.5 mm rods
  (Adjust within range based on welder’s comfort: speed, dilution, bead width, etc.)
  Too low: sticking / no arc. Too high: overheats rod.

• Power source: Use a machine with over 400 A capacity, regulated to the above values for better arc start and continuity.

• Voltage: No specific requirement. Experience ranges from 25–35 V. Adjust according to welder preference, part mass, work conditions, etc.

• Current type: DC, Electrode Positive (+)

• Base metal: Best results on SAE 1010

• Bead technique:
  When bead size allows, use circular motion (try clockwise or counterclockwise depending on ground clamp position for best result)

• Electrode angle: Hold the electrode at 75°–90° to the base metal

• Rod preheating: Preheat rods for at least one hour at 100 °C

• Rod handling: Hold rod 15–20 cm from the tip to avoid overheating

• Hardness: Maximum hardness achieved with two passes

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IMPORTANT: SAFETY NOTICE

Fumes generated from normal use of these products may contain trace amounts of chromium, manganese, or tungsten.
Always use in well-ventilated areas.