Washington Alloy EST is a non-nickel, nonmachinable cast iron electrode. It is the most economical way to go for repairing various kinds of cast iron precincts — providing that machinability of the weld deposit is not required and where weld shrinkage stress is not a concern. Since the core wire is steel, the weld deposits will have a higher tensile strength (65,000 psi) than Nickel 99, however a color match of the base metal should not be expected. Washington Alloy EST melts at relatively low temperatures which permit the use of low welding currents. This electrode may be used in any position utilizing AC or DC (reverse polarity).