Which type of welding rod is recommended to avoid hydrogen embrittlement?

The choice of welding rod E7016 is recommended to avoid hydrogen embrittlement primarily due to its composition and the specific characteristics of the coating. E7016 rods are designed with a low hydrogen level, which diminishes the risk of hydrogen being absorbed into the weld metal. This is crucial because hydrogen embrittlement can lead to cracks and failures in the weld joint, particularly in high-strength steels.

The E7016 rod features a coating that allows for controlled moisture and hydrogen levels during the welding process. This minimizes the amount of hydrogen that could potentially enter the weld pool, thus ensuring a more robust and reliable weld. The low hydrogen content in the overall welding procedure also helps maintain the integrity of the material being welded.

Additionally, the other options, while suitable for various welding applications, either do not provide the same level of protection against hydrogen embrittlement or are formulated for different welding environments. For example, ER70S-2 and E6013 rods might not have the necessary low hydrogen properties required for critical applications, making them less ideal for scenarios where hydrogen embrittlement is a concern.