E6013 vs E7018: Light Fabrication vs Structural Code
Two of the most common shop rods, but they exist in different worlds. E6013 is for beginners and thin clean steel. E7018 is for structural code work. The question is not which is better, it is whether your weld needs to meet code.
Spec Comparison
| Attribute | E6013 | E7018 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 60,000 psi | 70,000 psi |
| Impact toughness | Not specified by AWS | 20 ft-lbs at -20F |
| Hydrogen level | Standard (not controlled) | Low hydrogen (H4 or H8 class) |
| Storage requirements | Standard dry storage | Rod oven required after opening |
| Penetration | Light | Medium |
| Ease of use | Very easy, forgiving | Easy but requires tighter arc length |
| Code acceptance | Limited, not for structural code work | AWS D1.1, ASME, API accepted |
Use E6013 when:
You are welding non-structural, non-critical joints on clean thin material. You do not have a rod oven or controlled storage. You are practicing or doing light hobby work.
Use E7018 when:
The weld must pass visual, bend, or X-ray inspection. You are welding to any structural, pressure, or pipeline code. You need low-hydrogen deposits to prevent cracking. The application is load-bearing or safety-critical.
How E6013 and E7018 Work Together
These two rods overlap in school settings because both run smooth and are relatively easy to learn. But in the real world they serve different markets. E6013 lives in light fabrication, hobby welding, and auto body work where penetration requirements are low and appearance matters. E7018 lives in structural steel, pressure vessels, and anywhere a weld inspector will check your work. A shop that only stocks one rod usually stocks E7018. A home welder who only stocks one rod usually stocks E6013.
Common Mistake With E6013
Using E6013 on load-bearing joints is a liability issue. E6013 has lower tensile strength (60 ksi vs 70 ksi) and its shallow penetration means the weld may not fully fuse the base metal. If a joint needs to carry load, E7018 is the minimum standard. If you are not sure whether a joint is structural, treat it as structural.
Where to Buy
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Data sourced from AWS A5.1/A5.1M.