Shielded Metal Arc Welding— Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) is the most widely used electric arc welding process and the first type to use consumable electrodes. The process also is referred to as manual metal arc welding (MMAW). Shielded metal arc welding uses heat that is produced by an electric arc to melt the metals. The electric arc is maintained between the welding joint at the surface of the base metal and the tip of the covered welding electrode.
During operation, the core rod conducts electric current to produce the arc and provides filler metal for the joint. The core of the covered electrode consists of either a solid metal rod of drawn or cast material or a solid metal rod fabricated by encasing metal powders in a metallic sheath. The electrode covering provides stability to the arc and protects the molten metal by the creation of shielding gases from the vaporization of the electrode cover.
The arc characteristics of the electrode and the mechanical properties, chemical composition, and metallurgical structure of the weld are influenced by the type of shielding used, along with other ingredients within the covering and core wire. Each type of electrode used in SMAW has a different type of electrode covering, depending on the application.
The advantages of the SMAW process include its simplicity, low cost, portability, and the fact that a shielding gas is not needed. One restriction of SMAW is that the deposition cycle is normally less than for processes using continuous electrodes.
Welding rod fumes contain manganese a deadly neurotoxin that inhibits the brain’s ability to regulate physical motion. Men and women exposed to these manganese fumes develop Parkinsonian symptoms at the age of 46 as opposed to 66 and suffer for the rest of their life. Manganism is an induced form of Parkinson’s Disease. If you or a loved one has been injured due to welding rod fumes then please fill out the form below and obtain the representation that you deserve.
Free Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW, stick) Consultation
Personal Information:
Date of Birth / Age:
(ex. mm/dd/yyyy or 54)
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Yes No
If not, who are you
inquiring on behalf of?
If you are NOT inquiring on your own behalf,
what is your relationship to the injured person?
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If deceased, what is the cause of death
as stated on the death certificate:
Date of Death:
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If not deceased, does the
injury prevent you or the
victim from working?
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If yes, when did you/victim stop working?
What is the approximate lost wages
due to the injury?
Symptom Information:
How long were you a welder for? years
What were the
dates of exposure?*
Begin:
End:
City where you worked:
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State where you worked:
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What types of welding have you done before?
(Ex. MIG, TIG, Steel, Alloy, Other)
What BRANDS and TYPES of welding rods do you remember using?
Have you experienced any of the following symptoms?
Please check all that apply:
Tremors in any extremity?
Yes No
If yes, please explain:
Rigidity in hands, arms,
legs, or upper body?
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If yes, please explain:
Gait (Walking) Disturbances?
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If yes, please explain:
Facial Effects?
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Speech Disorders?
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Sexual Dysfunction?
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Other Symptoms?
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If you have any medical problems that you feel
may be related, please explain:
Have you ever had an
MRI of the brain?
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Have you ever received medical
care for any of your symptoms?
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Have you been diagnosed with any of the following conditions?
Manganism
Manganese Toxicity
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinsons-Like Syndrome
Parkinsonism
Other Neurological Disease
What was the date of diagnosis?
Case Description*
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Welding Rod Lawsuits is a web site intended to provide basic information about personal injury resulting from welding rod fumes. The Welding-Rods-Lawsuits.com web site is owned and operated by CounselSeek and managed by Richard Callahan, Esq. For more information please see our disclaimer and terms and conditions. Welding Rod Lawsuits does not offer legal advice, recommendations, mediation or counseling. If you or someone you know has sustained personal injury as a result of welding rod fumes, you should contact a product liability or personal injury lawyer immediately. Click Here, for a free, no obligation consultation from a personal injury attorney.