What Is the Difference Between 6013 and 7018

When selecting welding electrodes for a project, it's essential to choose the right type to ensure optimal performance and weld quality. Two commonly used welding rods are E6013 and E7018. Although they might appear similar, they have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different applications. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between E6013 and E7018 welding rods to help you make an informed choice for your welding needs.

Penetration and Strength
E6013 Welding Rods:
Penetration: E6013 rods offer moderate penetration, making them suitable for welding thin materials and light fabrication work. They are ideal for applications where deep penetration is not required.
Strength: The tensile strength of E6013 welds is 60,000 psi, which is sufficient for many general-purpose welding tasks but may not be adequate for high-stress applications.
E7018 Welding Rods:
Penetration: E7018 rods provide deeper penetration compared to E6013, making them suitable for thicker materials and structural welding.
Strength: The tensile strength of E7018 welds is 70,000 psi, offering higher strength and making them ideal for critical and high-stress applications such as construction and industrial fabrication.

Current Compatibility
E6013 Welding Rods:
These bulk welding rods are versatile in terms of current compatibility, as they can be used with both Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC). This makes them a convenient choice for welders who may not have access to a DC-only machine.
E7018 Welding Rods:
E7018 rods are also versatile and can be used with both AC and DC. However, they require a more stable current and are often used with DC+ (electrode positive) for optimal performance.

Arc Characteristics
E6013 Welding Rods:
E6013 rods produce a stable and smooth arc, which is easy to control and ideal for beginners. The smooth arc helps in creating a clean weld bead with minimal spatter.
E7018 Welding Rods:
E7018 rods produce a smooth, stable arc as well, but they are known for their low-hydrogen content, which helps prevent cracking. The arc is consistent, which contributes to the high quality of the welds.

Weld Appearance and Clean-Up
E6013 Welding Rods:
The weld bead produced by E6013 rods is generally smooth and aesthetically pleasing, making them suitable for applications where the final appearance is important. They produce minimal slag, which is easy to clean.
E7018 Welding Rods:
E7018 rods produce a high-quality weld bead with a smooth appearance. However, they generate more slag compared to E6013, and while the slag is also easy to remove, it requires a bit more effort in post-weld clean-up.

Applications
E6013 Welding Rods:
These rods are ideal for general-purpose welding, sheet metal work, and light fabrication projects. They are commonly used in home workshops and for repair work.
E7018 Welding Rods:
E7018 rods are preferred for structural welding, heavy fabrication, and industrial applications where high strength and reliability are crucial. They are often used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and pressure vessels.

Both e6013 vs e7018 have their unique advantages and are suitable for different types of welding tasks. E6013 rods are excellent for general-purpose welding with moderate penetration and ease of use, making them ideal for beginners and light fabrication projects. On the other hand, E7018 rods offer higher strength and deeper penetration, making them the go-to choice for critical and high-stress applications.

By understanding the differences between these two types of welding rods, you can select the one that best suits your project requirements, ensuring strong, high-quality welds every time.