SMAW · Carbon steel
E7016
A low-hydrogen rod with a tighter, less fluid puddle than its iron powder relative, which is why many pipe welders prefer it for vertical and overhead fills.
What the designation means
- E
- Electrode for shielded metal arc welding.
- 70
- 70,000 psi minimum tensile strength of the deposit.
- 1
- Usable in all welding positions.
- 6
- Low-hydrogen potassium covering without added iron powder, run on alternating current or direct current electrode positive.
At a glance
| Process | SMAW |
|---|---|
| Family | Carbon steel |
| Positions | All positions |
| Polarity | AC or DCEP |
| Shielding | Self-shielded by the covering |
| Minimum tensile strength | 70 ksi |
Typical uses
- Out-of-position fill and cap passes on pipe
- Welds on higher carbon or crack-sensitive steels
- Code work that specifies a low-hydrogen consumable
How it runs
- Stiffer, more controllable puddle than the iron powder low-hydrogen rods
- Moderate penetration with a smooth, crisp arc
- Dense slag that lifts as a shell once the bead contracts
- Slightly slower deposition than iron powder low-hydrogen rods of the same size
Storage and handling
A moisture-controlled consumable. Keep unopened cans sealed, move working rods into a heated rod oven, and observe the rebake schedule if atmospheric exposure limits are exceeded.
Compare with
SMAWE7018The workhorse structural low-hydrogen rod, giving a smooth arc, a moisture-controlled deposit, and the crack resistance that heavy sections and restrained joints demand.SMAWE6018A low-hydrogen rod at the 60 ksi strength level, chosen when a moisture-controlled deposit is needed but the base metal does not call for 70 ksi weld metal.SMAWE7018-1The same low-hydrogen chemistry as the standard structural rod but qualified to a colder impact test, so it is specified where the finished joint must stay tough in cold service.