E6012 Welding Rod: Amperage Chart & Gap-Bridging Applications
E6012 Amperage by Diameter
| Diameter | Amperage Range |
|---|---|
| 3/32" (2.4 mm) | 40 - 90A |
| 1/8" (3.2 mm) | 80 - 140A |
| 5/32" (4 mm) | 110 - 190A |
| 3/16" (4.8 mm) | 140 - 240A |
| 1/4" (6.4 mm) | 200 - 350A |
E6012 is designed for bridging gaps in joints that do not fit together well. It produces heavy slag and has medium penetration. For most work it has been replaced by E6013, which is easier to use and produces cleaner welds. You may still see E6012 called out in older welding procedures.
What This Means in Practice
E6012 has mostly been replaced by E6013 in modern welding. You will still find it specified on older procedures or in applications where its heavy slag is useful for bridging wide gaps. If your procedure does not specifically call for E6012, use E6013 for sheet metal or E7018 for structural work.
E6012 Suitability Scores
How well this electrode matches common applications. Not a quality rating. all AWS-certified electrodes meet their specification.
When to Use E6012
Gap bridging on poorly fitted joints.
High-speed horizontal fillet welds.
Applications where a convex bead profile is acceptable.
Welding on AC or DC straight polarity (DCEN).
Repair work where deep penetration is not critical.
E6012 Limitations
Dense, heavy slag that is difficult to remove, especially in multi-pass welds.
Shallow to medium penetration increases risk of incomplete fusion on thicker material.
Largely replaced by E6013 and E7014 in most applications.
Not suitable for structural or code work.
E6012 Storage Requirements
Standard dry storage.
E6012 Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | E6012 |
| Process | Stick Welding (SMAW) |
| Polarity | AC, DCEN |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical up, overhead |
| Penetration | medium |
| Coating Type | high titania sodium |
| Tensile Strength | 60,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 48,000 psi |
| Elongation | 17% |
| Base Metals | carbon steel, low-carbon steel |
| AWS Specification | A5.1 |
E6012 Questions
Is E6012 still used in modern welding?
E6012 has been largely replaced by E6013 in most applications. E6013 runs smoother, has easier slag removal, and is more widely available. You will still find E6012 specified on older procedures and in some gap-bridging applications where its heavier slag blanket is useful. If your procedure does not specifically require E6012, E6013 is the better choice.
What is the difference between E6012 and E6013?
E6013 replaced E6012 in most applications. E6013 has a rutile-based coating that produces easier slag removal, a smoother arc, and better bead appearance. E6012 uses a sodium-based coating that produces heavier slag and a rougher bead but slightly better gap-bridging ability. For thin clean metal, E6013 wins. For wide gaps on AC machines, E6012 can still be useful.
Can E6012 run on DC?
Yes. E6012 runs on AC, DCEP (reverse polarity), and DCEN (straight polarity). On DCEN it gives the shallowest penetration with maximum deposition rate. On DCEP it digs deeper. Most operators use it on AC or DCEN.
Where to Buy E6012
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External Resources
Manufacturer data sheets and standards for E6012.
Data sourced from AWS A5.1/A5.1M. Amperage ranges are approximate starting points. adjust based on position, fit-up, and material thickness. Always follow manufacturer recommendations and applicable codes.