What Is The Difference Between A E6010 And E7018 Electrode?

Understanding the differences between the E6010 and E7018 electrodes is crucial for selecting the right one for specific welding tasks. Each electrode has unique properties, making them suitable for different applications and conditions. Here’s a detailed comparison of these two popular electrodes:

E6010 Electrode 

Characteristics:

Coating: Cellulose sodium coating.

Current Type: DC+ (direct current electrode positive).

Tensile Strength: 60,000 psi.

Penetration: Deep penetration.

Welding Positions: All positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead).

Arc Characteristics: Forceful arc with a high digging action.

Uses:

Pipeline Welding: Widely used in the pipeline industry due to its deep penetration and ability to handle impurities.

Maintenance and Repair: Ideal for situations where the material might be dirty, rusty, or painted.

Root Passes: Excellent for root passes in pipe welding because of its ability to penetrate deeply and clean out contaminants.

Outdoor Welding: Performs well in windy conditions and can handle more surface contaminants.

Advantages:

Penetration: Its deep penetration makes it effective for welding thick materials and achieving strong welds.

Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications and positions.

Clean-Up: The forceful arc helps to clean the base material during welding, reducing the need for extensive pre-weld cleaning.

E7018 Electrode 

Characteristics:

Coating: Low-hydrogen, iron powder coating.

Current Type: AC or DC+.

Tensile Strength: 70,000 psi.

Penetration: Medium penetration.

Welding Positions: All positions, but particularly favored for flat and horizontal welds.

Arc Characteristics: Smooth and stable arc with less spatter.

Uses:

Structural Welding: Commonly used in structural steel fabrication due to its strong, ductile welds.

Pressure Vessels: Suitable for high-pressure applications where weld integrity is critical.

High-Strength Applications: Used in construction projects requiring welds with high tensile strength.

Manufacturing: Widely used in manufacturing settings for its versatility and ease of use.

Advantages:

Weld Quality: Produces high-quality welds with a clean, smooth appearance.

Low Hydrogen Content: Minimizes the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking.

Ease of Use: Easier to control than e6010 welding rods, making it suitable for less experienced welders.

Mechanical Properties: Provides strong, ductile welds that are less prone to cracking.

Summary of Differences

Coating and Current:

E6010: Cellulose sodium coating, DC+ only.

E7018: Low-hydrogen iron powder coating, AC or DC+.

Penetration:

E6010: Deep penetration, suitable for dirty, rusty, or painted surfaces.

E7018: Medium penetration, requires cleaner surfaces and proper joint preparation.

Tensile Strength:

E6010: 60,000 psi.

E7018: 70,000 psi.

Arc Characteristics:

E6010: Forceful, high-digging arc.

E7018: Smooth, stable arc with minimal spatter.

Applications:

E6010: Pipeline welding, maintenance and repair, root passes, outdoor welding.

E7018: Structural welding, pressure vessels, high-strength applications, manufacturing.

Storage Requirements:

E6010: Less sensitive to storage conditions.

E7018: Requires dry storage to prevent moisture absorption.

Choosing between E6010 and E7018 depends on the specific requirements of the welding project, including material condition, joint type, and desired weld properties. Understanding these differences helps in making an informed decision to achieve optimal welding results.