Matweld Welding Rods M/ST AWS 3.2mm M012

The Matweld Mild Steel Welding Rods 3.2mm (M012) are heavy-duty, general-purpose electrodes designed for thicker fabrication and structural repairs. Like the 2.5mm version, these are classified as AWS E6013, but the increased diameter allows for higher current and deeper penetration, making them ideal for welding thicker base metals (typically 4mm and up).

Key Performance Features

• Thicker Material Capability: The 3.2mm core wire is designed to handle higher amperages, providing the heat necessary to penetrate thicker steel plates, angle iron, and tubing.
• Stable Arc Control: Provides a consistent, easy-to-manage arc that is forgiving for beginners while remaining efficient for professional use.
• Low Spatter & Clean Slag: The rutile coating ensures minimal cleanup after welding. The slag is often "self-lifting" as the weld cools, revealing a neat, rippled bead underneath.
• All-Position Use: Effective for down-hand, vertical-up, and overhead welding.
• High Deposition Rate: Allows for faster filling of joints and v-grooves compared to thinner electrodes.

Technical Specifications

• SKU: M012 / MAN0365
• AWS Classification: E6013
• Diameter: 3.2mm
• Rod Length: ~350mm
• Recommended Amperage: 90A – 130A (Ideal at ~115A for 3.2mm)
• Packaging: Commonly available in a 10-piece prepac (approx. 330g) for quick repairs, or in bulk 1kg and 5kg boxes for larger projects.

Application Tips

• Amperage Tuning: If you experience "undercut" (a groove melted into the base metal next to the weld), your amperage is likely too high. If the arc keeps snuffing out or the rod sticks, try increasing the current.
• Travel Speed: Because 3.2mm rods deposit more metal, you may need to increase your travel speed slightly compared to using 2.5mm rods to prevent the weld pool from becoming too large and uncontrollable.
• Tack Welding: Use these for heavy structural tacks. For thinner sheet metal (under 2mm), switch back to the M011 (2.5mm) rods to avoid burning through the material.