7018 welding rod specification

Here is detailed information on some commonly used welding rods, especially E7018, E6013, E7018 B2, and other widely used types in welding:

7018 Welding Rod Specification

E7018 welding rod specification

7018 electrode properties

7018 welding rod meaning

7018 rod tensile strength

Low hydrogen welding electrode

E7018 welding rod datasheet

7018 rod polarity and amperage

7018 welding rod uses

7018 welding rod current settings

SMAW 7018 electrode

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🔧 1. E7018 Welding Rod

Overview:

E7018 is a low-hydrogen, iron powder, heavy-coated electrode used for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) or stick welding.

Meaning of E7018 (AWS Classification):

  • E = Electrode
  • 70 = 70,000 psi tensile strength
  • 1 = All positions (flat, vertical, overhead, horizontal)
  • 8 = Low hydrogen, iron powder coating (AC or DCEP polarity)

Key Features:

  • High strength welds (70,000 psi)
  • Low hydrogen reduces risk of cracking
  • Suitable for structural steel, bridges, buildings
  • Strong arc with smooth bead appearance
  • Requires dry storage—moisture causes weld defects

Typical Applications:

  • Structural welding (bridges, buildings)
  • Heavy fabrication
  • Pressure vessels and pipelines
  • Shipbuilding
  • Power plants

Welding Current:

  • Polarity: AC or DCEP (Direct Current Electrode Positive)
  • Amperage: Depends on rod diameter
    • 3/32” (2.5 mm): 70–110 A
    • 1/8” (3.2 mm): 110–160 A

🔧 2. E6013 Welding Rod

Overview:

E6013 is a rutile-coated electrode that produces a smooth, stable arc and easy slag removal. Often preferred by beginners.

Meaning of E6013:

  • E = Electrode
  • 60 = 60,000 psi tensile strength
  • 1 = All positions
  • 3 = Rutile base flux (AC, DCEN, or DCEP)

Key Features:

  • Soft, stable arc
  • Smooth bead, low spatter
  • Easy to strike and re-strike
  • Slag peels off easily
  • Ideal for light- to medium gauge metals

Typical Applications:

  • Sheet metal work
  • Auto body welding
  • Furniture and appliance manufacturing
  • General maintenance
  • DIY/home projects

Welding Current:

  • Polarity: AC, DCEN, or DCEP
  • Amperage:
    • 3/32” (2.5 mm): 40–90 A
    • 1/8” (3.2 mm): 90–140 A

🔧 3. E6011 Welding Rod

Overview:

E6011 is a cellulose-coated rod used for deep penetration and can burn through rust, paint, or dirty metals.

Meaning:

  • E = Electrode
  • 60 = 60,000 psi
  • 1 = All positions
  • 1 = Cellulose potassium coating (DC or AC)

Key Features:

  • High penetration
  • Fast freezing slag – good for vertical/uphill welds
  • Can be used on rusted or dirty materials
  • Used in farming, repair, pipe welding

🔧 4. E7016 Welding Rod

➤ Similar to E7018 but with lower iron powder content.

  • Requires more skill
  • Used in structural welding
  • Also low hydrogen type
  • AC or DCEP

🔧 5. E7024 Welding Rod

➤ For flat or horizontal welding only

  • High deposition rate
  • Heavy iron powder coating
  • Not suitable for vertical or overhead

🔧 Comparison Table

ElectrodeTensile StrengthWelding PositionPolarityArc CharacteristicsApplications
E701870,000 psiAllAC/DCEPSmooth, low spatterStructural, heavy-duty
E601360,000 psiAllAC/DCEN/DCEPSoft arc, easy to useLight fabrication
E601160,000 psiAllAC/DCEPDeep penetrationDirty/rusty metal
E702470,000 psiFlat/HorizontalAC/DCEPHigh depositionPlate, high-speed welding
E701670,000 psiAllAC/DCEPLow hydrogenStructural

🔒 Storage Tips (especially for low hydrogen rods like E7018 & E7016):

  • Store in dry oven (250°F–300°F)
  • Avoid moisture contamination—leads to hydrogen cracking
  • Re-bake if exposed to air too long

🔧 E7018-B2 Welding Electrode – Detailed Information

Classification Meaning (AWS A5.1/A5.5 Standard):

  • E = Electrode
  • 70 = Minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi
  • 1 = Usable in all welding positions
  • 8 = Low-hydrogen potassium, iron powder type coating
  • B2 = Indicates a Chromium-Molybdenum (Cr-Mo) alloy in the weld deposit
    • Contains approximately 1.25% Chromium (Cr) and 0.5% Molybdenum (Mo)

🔍 Chemical Composition of Weld Metal (Typical):

ElementComposition (%)
Carbon (C)0.05 – 0.12
Manganese (Mn)0.50 – 1.00
Chromium (Cr)1.00 – 1.50
Molybdenum (Mo)0.40 – 0.65
Silicon (Si)≤ 0.80
Phosphorus/Sulfur≤ 0.035

🔩 Mechanical Properties (Typical):

PropertyValue
Tensile Strength≥ 70,000 psi (490 MPa)
Yield Strength≥ 58,000 psi (400 MPa)
Elongation≥ 20%
Impact Toughness (Charpy V-notch)27 J @ -30°C typical

🔥 Applications of E7018-B2 Rod:

Used primarily in applications that demand high strength and creep resistance at elevated temperatures.

✅ Common Applications:

  • Power plant piping and boiler tubes
  • Petrochemical industry
  • Oil & gas industry (refineries)
  • Pressure vessels and heat exchangers
  • High-temperature steam lines

⚙️ Welding Parameters:

Rod Size (mm)Amperage (AC or DCEP)
2.5 mm (3/32”)70 – 110 A
3.2 mm (1/8”)100 – 160 A
4.0 mm (5/32”)140 – 200 A
5.0 mm (3/16”)180 – 260 A
  • Polarity: DCEP (preferred), but AC can also be used
  • Preheat: Required, depending on base material (typically 150–300°C)
  • Interpass temperature: Controlled to avoid cracking (~200–300°C)
  • Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT): Often required for stress relief

📦 Storage Guidelines:

  • Critical to store in a dry oven at 250°F–300°F (120°C–150°C)
  • Redry electrodes at 650°F (340°C) for 1 hour if exposed to air
  • Use immediately after removal from the oven to prevent hydrogen pickup

⚠️ Important Notes:

  • E7018-B2 is not for general structural welding
  • Always match it with 1.25Cr-0.5Mo base metals (like ASTM A335 P11, A182 F11, A217 WC6, etc.)
  • Consult Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) for preheat/PWHT based on job

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