E7014 vs E7018: Shop Fillet vs Code-Quality Weld
Both are 70 ksi rods. The difference is what they were built for. E7014 fills fast on non-critical work. E7018 fills to code on everything else. If an inspector is going to look at it, run E7018.
How They Compare
| Attribute | E7014 | E7018 |
|---|---|---|
| Coating type | Iron powder titania | Low-hydrogen iron powder |
| Hydrogen level | Standard (not controlled) | Low hydrogen (H4 or H8 class) |
| Impact toughness | Not specified by AWS | 20 ft-lbs at -20F |
| Storage requirements | Standard dry storage | Rod oven required |
| Polarity options | AC, DCEP, or DCEN | DCEP or AC |
| Code qualification | Limited structural applications | Full structural, pressure vessel, pipeline qualification |
| Deposition rate | Higher (more iron powder) | Moderate |
Use E7014 when:
You need a fast-depositing 70 ksi electrode for non-critical fillet welds where code compliance is not required. You do not have rod oven storage. The application is general fabrication without low-temperature service requirements.
Use E7018 when:
The application requires code-quality welds (structural, pressure vessel, pipeline). You need guaranteed impact toughness at low temperatures. Hydrogen cracking risk exists due to steel chemistry, thickness, or restraint.
How E7014 and E7018 Work Together
E7014 fills a niche: non-critical fillet welds on mild steel where you want to move fast. Think equipment frames, non-structural brackets, and general shop fabrication where code compliance is not required. E7018 covers everything E7014 does plus all the code work. The trade-off is that E7018 costs more per pound and requires a rod oven. If you do not have a rod oven and your work is not inspected, E7014 is a solid choice for flat and horizontal fillets.
Common Mistake With E7014
E7014 is not a drop-in replacement for E7018 on code work. Even though both are rated at 70 ksi, E7014 is not a low-hydrogen rod. It will not meet AWS D1.1 prequalified WPS requirements for structural steel. If the drawing calls out E7018 or 'low-hydrogen electrode,' that means E7018 specifically.
Where to Buy
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Data sourced from AWS A5.1/A5.1M.