Answer:
The very purpose of using E 7018-1 H4 type Vacuum packed Electrodes is to avoid re-backing, as the H2 level is
<4 ml /100 grams of weld and can be used straight after opening the pack.
When not used after breaking the seal and considerable gap of time, re-baking is to be done, as the electrodes would
have picked up moisture by then, due to its exposure to humid conditions.
Without H-4 designation, all low Hydrogen type electrodes may have > 10 ml & < 15 ml of H2 per 100 grams of weld and compulsory re-drying has to be done to reduce the H2 content to <10 ml. by holding them at 300 deg. C for 2 hrs
in the ovens.
The electrodes are held in Holding oven (if required) at 100-150 deg.C, if backed in large quantity and to avoid repeated
re-baking (re-cycling) and damage to flux coating if unused.
Welders are supposed to use portable (kept at 100 deg. C or so) for actual welding. These ovens also know as re-fill
ovens
as the electrodes are refilled after every 2 hrs welding work or less.
Sridhar.