E6020 Welding Rod: Amperage Chart & High-Deposition Guide
E6020 Amperage by Diameter
| Diameter | Amperage Range |
|---|---|
| 1/8" (3.2 mm) | 100 - 150A |
| 5/32" (4 mm) | 130 - 200A |
| 3/16" (4.8 mm) | 175 - 275A |
| 7/32" (5.6 mm) | 225 - 350A |
| 1/4" (6.4 mm) | 275 - 425A |
E6020 is a high-deposition rod designed for flat and horizontal fillet welds on heavy plate. It has a thick iron-powder coating that melts along with the core wire, adding extra metal to the weld pool. The result is high deposition rates and smooth, flat bead profiles with minimal spatter. It produces a heavy, self-peeling slag. Polarity is AC or DCEN. This is a flat-position workhorse, not a general-purpose rod. If you are filling joints on thick plate in the flat position and want speed, the 6020 fills that role.
What This Means in Practice
E6020 means: E (electrode) + 60 (60,000 psi tensile) + 2 (flat and horizontal positions only) + 0 (high iron oxide coating, DC negative or AC). The position digit 2 is the key: this rod does not work vertical or overhead.
E6020 Suitability Scores
How well this electrode matches common applications. Not a quality rating. all AWS-certified electrodes meet their specification.
When to Use E6020
Flat and horizontal fillets on plate 1/4 inch and thicker.
High-volume fillet work where deposition rate matters.
Structural steel fabrication where the joint geometry allows flat or horizontal positioning.
Shipbuilding and heavy equipment frame assembly.
E6020 Limitations
Flat and horizontal only, cannot weld vertical or overhead.
60,000 psi tensile is adequate for general structural but not D1.1 code work requiring higher strength.
The heavy slag and high-deposition arc require proper joint fit-up.
Not for thin material.
E6020 Storage Requirements
Standard dry storage at room temperature. No baking required.
E6020 Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | E6020 |
| Process | Stick Welding (SMAW) |
| Polarity | AC, DCEN |
| Positions | flat, horizontal |
| Penetration | medium |
| Coating Type | high iron oxide |
| Tensile Strength | 62,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 50,000 psi |
| Elongation | 25% |
| Base Metals | carbon steel, low-carbon steel |
| AWS Specification | A5.1 |
E6020 Questions
What positions can you use E6020 in?
E6020 is limited to flat and horizontal positions only. The high iron powder content makes the slag too fluid for vertical or overhead welding.
What is E6020 used for?
E6020 is a high-deposition rod for filling thick joints in flat and horizontal positions. The high iron powder content gives faster fill rates than standard E6010 or E6013 rods.
Can E6020 be used on AC?
Yes. E6020 runs on AC or DCEN. It is commonly used with AC buzz boxes where DC inverters are not available.
Where to Buy E6020
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External Resources
Manufacturer data sheets and standards for E6020.
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.