8311.10.00.00 - Coated electrodes of base metal, for electric arc-welding

This HTS category, 8311.10.00.00, specifically covers coated electrodes made from base metals, designed for use in electric arc-welding processes. These electrodes are characterized by a flux coating applied to a core rod of base metal. The flux coating serves critical functions during welding, such as stabilizing the electric arc, shielding the molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination, and often providing deoxidizers and alloying elements to enhance the weld quality and properties. The base metal of the electrode itself will typically correspond to the metal being welded, such as steel, stainless steel, or aluminum.

It is important to distinguish this category from its sibling, 8311.20.00.00, which covers "cored wire" for electric arc-welding. While both are used for arc welding, the key difference lies in the flux application. In 8311.10.00.00, the flux is applied as a coating to the *exterior* of the electrode rod. In contrast, 8311.20.00.00 refers to wire where the flux is contained *within* the tubular core of the wire. This distinction in construction impacts their manufacturing and performance characteristics.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS, there are no further subdivisions under 8311.10.00.00. Therefore, classification within this code is determined by meeting the criteria of being a coated electrode of base metal for electric arc-welding, with no further distinctions at a more granular level. Examples within this classification would include common welding electrodes used in fabrication, repair, and construction industries, made from materials like carbon steel, low alloy steel, or stainless steel, and coated with various types of flux.