AWS E7018 Low Hydrogen Stick Welding Electrode for Carbon Steel and Low Alloy Steel Structures

AWS E7018 Low Hydrogen Stick Welding Electrode for Carbon Steel and Low Alloy Steel Structures

1．Product Overview

AWS E7018 stick welding electrode is a low-hydrogen welding electrode used for carbon steel and low-alloy steel structures. It is suitable for structural welding applications requiring stable weld strength, good slag removal, fewer spatters, and reliable deposited metal performance.

J506Fe is an iron powder low-hydrogen potassium type electrode. The iron powder in the coating helps improve deposition efficiency, while the low-hydrogen coating supports weld quality for structural fabrication and repair welding.

2．Technical Solution

The electrode can be used with AC or DC+ welding power sources and supports all-position welding.

The low-hydrogen potassium coating provides stable arc performance, good slag detachability, fewer spatters, and smooth welding operation. The deposited metal offers tensile strength of at least 490MPa, yield strength of at least 400MPa, and elongation of at least 22%, making it suitable for carbon steel and low-alloy steel structures such as 16Mn.

Diffusible hydrogen content is controlled at ≤8.0ml/100g, supporting welding applications where hydrogen control is important.

3．Specifications

4．Application

This welding electrode is suitable for welding carbon steel and low-alloy steel structures, including 16Mn steel structures, machinery components, construction steelwork, pressure-related structural parts, bridge components, shipbuilding structures, and heavy-duty fabrication projects.

It is commonly selected where stable mechanical properties, low-hydrogen weld metal, and reliable all-position welding performance are required.

5．Processing

The electrode supports all-position welding with AC or DC+ welding power supply.

Before welding, the base metal should be cleaned to remove moisture, oil, rust, and surface contamination. Welding current should be selected according to electrode diameter, plate thickness, welding position, and joint design.

For low-hydrogen electrodes, proper storage and drying control are important to maintain welding quality and reduce hydrogen-related welding defects.

6．Advantages

• Iron powder low-hydrogen coating improves deposition efficiency and welding stability.
• AC/DC+ compatibility supports flexible use in workshop and site welding.
• Stable arc and fewer spatters improve welding operation and surface quality.
• Good slag detachability supports cleaner weld bead formation and easier post-weld cleaning.
• Deposited metal provides reliable tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and low-temperature impact performance.
• Controlled diffusible hydrogen content supports structural welding applications requiring hydrogen control.

7．How to Choose

• Choose E7018 / J506Fe for carbon steel and low-alloy steel structures requiring low-hydrogen weld metal.
• Choose φ3.2mm electrode for medium-thickness plates and general structural welding.
• Choose φ4.0mm or φ5.0mm electrode for thicker plates and higher deposition requirements.
• Use lower current for thinner plates and positional welding.
• Use higher current for thicker plates and stronger penetration requirements.
• Confirm electrode diameter, welding position, base metal grade, plate thickness, current type, and certification requirements before use.

8．FAQ

Q1．What is AWS E7018 used for

It is used for welding carbon steel and low-alloy steel structures, including 16Mn and similar structural steels.

Q2．Can E7018 be used with AC and DC welding machines

Yes. This electrode can be used with AC or DC+ power sources.

Q3．What is the welding current for 3.2mm electrode

The reference welding current for φ3.2mm electrode is 80–140A.

Q4．What is the welding current for 5.0mm electrode

The reference welding current for φ5.0mm electrode is 160–230A.

Q5．What packing is available

Standard packing is 2.5kg per box, 8 boxes per carton, and 20kg per carton.