SMAW · Low-alloy steel
E8018-B2
A chrome-moly low-hydrogen rod for the lower alloy grades of high temperature piping, where chromium and molybdenum together resist creep and oxidation.
What the designation means
- E
- Electrode for shielded metal arc welding.
- 80
- 80,000 psi minimum tensile strength of the deposited weld metal.
- 1
- All welding positions.
- 8
- Low-hydrogen potassium covering with iron powder, run on direct current electrode positive or alternating current.
- -B2
- A chromium-molybdenum deposit in the nominal 1.25 percent chromium, 0.5 percent molybdenum class.
At a glance
| Process | SMAW |
|---|---|
| Family | Low-alloy steel |
| Positions | All positions |
| Polarity | DCEP, or AC |
| Shielding | Self-shielded by the covering |
| Minimum tensile strength | 80 ksi |
Typical uses
- Welds on 1.25 chromium 0.5 molybdenum piping and fittings
- Boiler tubing and superheater components in power plants
- Refinery piping operating at elevated temperature
How it runs
- Smooth low-hydrogen arc with a slightly sluggish, controllable puddle
- Tight slag that must be fully cleaned between passes on multipass work
- Normally welded with specified preheat, interpass, and post weld heat treatment
- Alloy deposit is harder as welded than a plain carbon steel rod
Storage and handling
Keep in hermetically sealed packaging until use and hold working rods in a heated rod oven; alloy low-hydrogen rods are especially sensitive to moisture.
Compare with
SMAWE9018-B3The next step up in the chrome-moly family, carrying roughly twice the chromium of the lower class for higher temperature and higher pressure piping.SMAWE7018-A1The entry point into the creep-resisting low-alloy family, adding molybdenum to a familiar low-hydrogen rod so the joint keeps its strength in hot service.GTAWER80S-B2The chrome-moly torch rod used for root passes on lower alloy high temperature piping, matched to the same alloy class as the companion covered electrode.