GaugePass

SMAW · Carbon steel

E7018

The workhorse structural low-hydrogen rod, giving a smooth arc, a moisture-controlled deposit, and the crack resistance that heavy sections and restrained joints demand.

What the designation means

E
Electrode for shielded metal arc welding.
70
70,000 psi minimum tensile strength of the deposited weld metal.
1
Usable in all welding positions.
8
Low-hydrogen potassium covering with iron powder added, run on direct current electrode positive or alternating current.

At a glance

ProcessSMAW
FamilyCarbon steel
PositionsAll positions
PolarityDCEP, or AC
ShieldingSelf-shielded by the covering
Minimum tensile strength70 ksi

Typical uses

  • Structural steel connections on buildings and bridges
  • Heavy plate and restrained joints prone to hydrogen cracking
  • Pressure vessel and pipe fill passes under a qualified procedure

How it runs

  • Smooth, quiet arc with medium penetration and little spatter
  • Heavy, glassy slag that releases in a single shell
  • Flat to slightly convex bead with a fine, even ripple
  • Needs a short arc length and a drag or slight push technique, not whipping

Storage and handling

Low-hydrogen coverings absorb atmospheric moisture. Open cans go straight into a heated rod oven, exposure time is limited, and rods left out must be rebaked or discarded.

Compare with

SMAWE7016A 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.SMAWE7028A low-hydrogen rod built for downhand production, combining moisture-controlled weld metal with the deposition rate of a heavy iron powder covering.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.SMAWE6010A fast-freeze cellulosic rod that digs deep and stays the traditional pick for open root passes on pipe and for repair work on plate that is not clean.