SMAW - Electrode Classification 

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Great question. So there are typically two types of electrodes, coated and uncoated. Uncoated electrodes are like those used in GMAW (MIG). Coated electrodes have a Flux coating; a layer of Flux that covers the electrode around its circumference.

Great question. There are different types of electrodes to meet the needs of various projects. The needs could be things like different kinds of metal, the position that the project needs to be welded in, and how strong the weld needs to be. It would be amazing to have "universal" welding electrodes, but we're not there just yet, at least not with SMAW.

You're definitely not alone, I have students that draw comparisons between what we use and what is used overseas.