18 Welding Rod Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for welding rods as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 18 welding rod manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked welding rod companies as of April, 2024: 1.American Welding Products, Inc., 2.Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, 3.WestAir Gases & Equipment Inc..
Table of Contents
What Is a Welding Rod?
Welding Rods are metal rods used in applications for detecting the position of objects.
They are an important material with electrical conductivity and durability, and are used in a variety of industrial fields due to their advanced functionality and precision. It is commonly used in water treatment facilities, in water storage tanks, water purification plants, and sewage treatment facilities.
It detects fluctuations in water levels. This enables appropriate water supply and drainage control, contributing to improved facility efficiency and safety.
Uses for Welding Rods
Welding Rods capable of detecting water level position are widely used in various industrial fields due to their high reliability and accuracy.
1. Water Treatment Facilities
Accurate monitoring of water levels is important in water treatment facilities. Welding Rods are used in water storage tanks, water treatment plants, and sewage treatment facilities to detect water level fluctuations. They enable appropriate water supply and drainage control, contributing to improved facility efficiency and safety.
2. Water Supply Facilities
Welding Rods are also used to detect water levels in water supply facilities. For example, in water towers and water storage tanks, Welding Rods measure the height of the water level and can be used for water volume control and water supply planning.
Welding Rods are also incorporated into water supply systems in homes and buildings to control water supply based on accurate water level information.
3. Agriculture and Irrigation
Water level monitoring and control is important in agricultural and irrigation systems. Welding Rods are used in agricultural water tanks and irrigation channels to provide accurate water level information. This enables optimization of crop watering rates and irrigation schedules, resulting in more efficient use of water resources.
4. Aquaculture
In the aquaculture industry, it is important to manage the growing environment for fish and shellfish. Welding Rods are incorporated into aquaculture ponds and tanks to monitor and control water levels. By appropriately adjusting the aquaculture environment in response to water level fluctuations, water quality and temperature stability can be ensured and the growing environment can be optimized.
5. Hydropower Generation
Water level control of dams and reservoirs is essential for hydropower plants. Welding Rods detect fluctuations in water levels and provide feedback to the controller to ensure stable power generation and safety.
Principle of Welding Rods
Two or more Welding Rods of different lengths are fixed to the tank. A weak voltage is applied between Welding Rods, and the level is detected when a conductive object comes in contact with them. In most cases, three sets of switch relays, holders, and Welding Rods are used as a set when used in tanks.
The holder holds the electrode rod in place, and after detecting the level with the Welding Rod, the switch relay applies voltage to the Welding Rod while outputting a contact point. Welding Rods are constructed with a device called a "floatless switch".
The switch relay supplies a weak voltage, less than 30V, and the output is controlled by contact between Welding Rods. The floatless switch has contacts that turn ON when the Welding Rod is immersed at high liquid level and turn OFF when the Welding Rod leaves the liquid at low liquid level. These contacts control the pump operation and shutdown to keep the tank water level within a certain range.
A set of Welding Rods consists of four rods: one for grounding, one for water reduction, one for condensate, and one for full water. Taking the case for controlling the drain pump as an example, it can also be used for controlling the water supply pump by replacing the electrodes for reducing water and condensing water.
1. For Grounding
The ground is the longest Welding Rod and is installed near the bottom of the receiving water tank. It is always in contact with water during operation and is energized, making it the reference for all Welding Rods. It is also called "common electrode".
2. For Water Reduction
The second longest Welding Rod detects when the water level in the receiving tank has dropped enough to cause problems such as the possibility of the pump idling. It is installed slightly above the pump suction port.
3. For Condensate
These are shorter Welding Rods than those for water reduction. The Welding Rod for water reduction detects that the water level has dropped and that there is enough water to operate the pump again after the pump has been shut down.
4. For Full Water
The shortest Welding Rod detects when the receiving water tank is full. It is installed to prevent full water in the event that other devices that detect full water fail. It is installed above the normal water level for full water detection.
Most Welding Rod products are made of metal and are exposed to liquid, which may cause them to stop working properly due to corrosion. In addition, due to the level detection principle, they are not suitable for detecting insulating objects and cannot be used for insulating oil, etc.
How to Select Welding Rods
When selecting Welding Rods, the length, diameter, and durability should be taken into consideration, depending on the intended use.
Even if the description of the material properties of Welding Rods states that they are "sufficiently corrosion resistant" or "corrosion resistant," this does not mean that they are completely free from corrosion.
List of 18 Welding Rod Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Ireland
- Japan
- Spain
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American Welding Products, Inc.
WELDING WIRE
Manufacturer Overview
American Welding Products, Inc., founded in Tenafly, NJ is a supplier and manufacturer of all types of Welding Wire and Welding Electrodes. The company's product portfolio includes Coated Mild Steel and Alloy Wire, Flux Cored Wire (Carbon and Stainless Steel), Aluminum, Stainless Steel and Nickel Bare Wire, and Brazing and Copper Base Alloys. Their products find application in, garages, plumbing, construction, agriculture and engineering. The company also provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, warehousing and distribution, repair services and customer and technical support.
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Miller Electric Mfg. LLC
Welding Wire & Rods
Manufacturer Overview
Miller Electric Mfg. LLC (MEM) is an American manufacturer of arc welding and cutting equipment originally founded in 1929 before its acquisition by Illinois Tool Works (ITW) in 1993. Headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, the company produces various welders such as tungsten inert gas (TIG) and engine-driven models, wire feeders, and plasma cutters. It also offers related consumables and accessories, such as connector kits, spot welding tongs, safety equipment, and flux-cored wires. MEM products are commonly used in metal fabrication, manufacturing, and construction, as well as in the aviation industry.
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WestAir Gases & Equipment Inc.
Stick Electrodes
Company Overview
WestAir Gases & Equipment Inc., founded in San Diego, CA, in 1970 is distributor of gases and equipment. The company's product portfolio includes gas control systems, fluid control accessories, such as fittings, connectors, and tubing, pressure regulators and high-pressure valves, including ball valves, needle valves, gate valves, and check valves. The company serves industries such as Petrochemical and Refining Chemical Processing, Power Generation and Aerospace and Aviation. The company also offers customized services, and technical support.
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Runnings, Inc.
Welding Rod & Wire
Company Overview
Runnings Inc., founded in 1947 and headquartered in Marshall, Minnesota, is a retail company specializing in selling automotive, sporting goods, farm supplies, and other merchandise. The company offers various merchandise in 57 stores across 8 states and online. Their product portfolio includes sporting goods, tools, housewares, pet and animal supplies, and more. They also sell firearms and automotive goods. With a wide selection of brands and in-store and online shopping options. Runnings serves customers nationwide with an extensive selection of everyday essentials.
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Killingworth True Value
WELDING STICK ELECTRODES
Distributor Overview
Killingworth True Value, founded in Killingworth, CT, in 1983 is a supplier of grill, outdoor living, and power equipment. The company's product portfolio includes Pressure washer accessories, Pressure washer fittings, Spa & hot tub chemicals, Stabilized dry chlorine & floaters and Water balancers & maintenance products. their products are used in, households, offices, gardening, plumbing and architectural decoration. The company also provides services including national distribution, product selection, installation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and customer service.
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Plansee Japan Ltd.
Tungsten electrodes for discharge lamps
Manufacturer Overview
Plansee Japan Ltd., set up in 2009 in Japan, is a manufacturer of advanced metal components from molybdenum and tungsten for electrical, medical, and industrial uses. The company was formed with the amalgamation of Nippon Plansee, Japan Vacs Metal, and Japan Vacs Precision, although the parent organization started in 1921. Products include temperature-resistant metals such as molybdenum, tungsten, and tantalum for semiconductors, furnace construction, and the electrical industry. The product categories comprise X-ray components, cooling inserts for molds, evaporation coils and dimming caps. They are used in applications like thermal management and rocket propulsion systems for resilience, performance, and robustness.
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Nippon Tungsten Co., Ltd.
Tungsten Rod
Manufacturer Overview
Nippon Tungsten Co., Ltd., founded on April 1, 1931, and headquartered in Fukuoka, Japan, is a manufacturer of machine parts and electrical components. Its diverse product line caters to various industries, featuring tungsten and molybdenum products for electrical contacts, cemented carbide, and ceramics. It also produces resistance welding electrodes primarily used in automotive welding, fine ceramics for electronic devices and wear-resistant tools, and magnetic head substrates for hard disk drive manufacturing.
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Detroit Torch & Mfg. Co.
Variety Rod Pack
Manufacturer Overview
Detroit Torch & Mfg. Co. is a manufacturer of cutting torch and welding systems established in 2014 and based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, USA. The company specializes in torches, components, and related accessories used for cutting or welding various metals. Its product line includes complete torch kits, gas flow regulators, and DHC2000 torches for cutting or welding operations. The company also offers additional repair and warranty services for its torches and torch parts. Its products are mainly used in jewelry making, automotive repair or restoration, and metal fabrication processes.
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Lincoln Electric
Filler Metal
Manufacturer Overview
Lincoln Electric, established in 1895, is a supplier of cutting-edge products, welding processes, and automated solutions based in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. Lincoln Electric provides equipment, systems, and solutions for every segment of industry around the world. The company offers various products needed for welding and cutting, filler metals, weld fume control, and automation. Lincoln Electric's range of automation solutions includes Laser System Integration and Processing, Metalforming and Press Automation, and various automation needs of the Automotive industry.
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Manufacturer Overview
ESAB, founded in 1904 and headquartered in Maryland, United States, is a manufacturer of welding as well as cutting equipment and consumables. It manufactures accessories and consumables, arc welding equipment, cutting automation, filler metals, and gas equipment. Moreover, it offers manual plasma cutting, PPE/Safety, robotics, torches, and welding automation. For arc welding, Fabricator EM 400i, for instance, is ideal for heavy industries due to the use of solid and flux-cored wires together with fabricator feed. ESAB has earned ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Services 18001 certifications.
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Balacchi srl
Welding Rods and Electrodes
Manufacturer Overview
Balacchi Srl, established in 1964 and headquartered in Lombardia, Italy, is a manufacturer of HF welders for PVC and CNC cutting machines for plastic materials. The company’s products include welding equipment such as bars, electrodes, and welding blades, as well as cutting systems with consumables, feeding systems, and tools. Its cutting systems offer solutions for the precise cutting of textile fibers, synthetics, and fiberglass. The company’s HF welding technology ensures precise, secure, and durable joints for different materials, including PVC, polyurethanes, and PETG. Its products find applications in automotive, medical, and construction industries, including tensile structures and conveyor belts.
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Omron
F03-[]
Manufacturer Overview
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
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TS Distributors, Inc.
Welding Wire and Electrodes
Company Overview
TS Distributors, Inc. is a manufacturer and supplier of metal fabricators, fencing companies and access control professionals. The company was founded in 2007 and located at Texas United States. The company offers a diverse range of building materials which includes fencing, gates, access control systems, and related accessories. The company serves a broad spectrum of industries such as construction, landscapes, and security. The company has grown to house one of the largest inventories in the company with facilities in Houston, Austin, Chicago and Prescott Valley, AZ.
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Company Overview
Linde PLC, established in 1879 and headquartered in Woking, England, is a global service provider of industrial gases and engineering. The company's industrial gases find applications in critical areas such as hydrogen production, medical oxygen, electronics manufacturing as well as in carbon capture systems for energy transitions. It also offers state-of-the-art gas processing solutions to support customer expansion accross the globe while promoting education, diversity, sustainability, and health on a global scale through its engineering technologies.
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Sunstone Engineering LLC
Welding Rod
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GoWelding.org
MIG Welding Electrodes
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Hampdon Industrial Pty.Ltd
WELDING WIRES
Distributor Overview
Hampdon Industrial Pty.Ltd is a supplier and retailer of welding and fabrication products based in Malaga, Western Australia, established in 2015. The company supplies gas kits, MIG equipment. Plasma gears, electrodes & wires, and abrasives. Safety products such as welding caps, vehicle flares, knee pads, hard hat torches, and respiratory protections are provided. The company offers welding machines such as stick welders, machine rollers, aluminum conversion kits, generators, and remote controllers. The products are from different brands and have warranties for prompt repair, replacement, or full refund.
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The Coating Man
Micro Welding Wire
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Welding Rod Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Welding Products, Inc. |
14.4%
|
| 2 | Miller Electric Mfg. LLC |
12.4%
|
| 3 | WestAir Gases & Equipment Inc. |
9.4%
|
| 4 | Runnings, Inc. |
8.4%
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| 5 | Killingworth True Value |
6.4%
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| 6 | Sunstone Engineering LLC |
5.4%
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| 7 | Balacchi srl |
5.4%
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| 8 | TS Distributors, Inc. |
5.0%
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| 9 | GoWelding.org |
5.0%
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| 10 | Hampdon Industrial Pty.Ltd |
4.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the welding rod page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- Nippon Tungsten Co., Ltd.: 434
Newly Established Company
- Linde: 2018 (6 years ago)
- Nippon Tungsten Co., Ltd.: 1931 (93 years ago)
- ESAB: 1904 (120 years ago)
Company with a History
- Lincoln Electric: 1895 (129 years ago)
- ESAB: 1904 (120 years ago)
- Nippon Tungsten Co., Ltd.: 1931 (93 years ago)
Welding Rod Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
- American Welding Products, Inc.
- Miller Electric Mfg. LLC
- WestAir Gases & Equipment Inc.
- Runnings, Inc.
- Killingworth True Value
Global Distribution of Welding Rod Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
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5 | 55.6% |
Japan
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2 | 22.2% |
Ireland
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1 | 11.1% |
Spain
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1 | 11.1% |
