AC Low-Hydrogen vs DC Deep Penetration Rod
E7016 low-hydrogen AC rod vs E6010 cellulose DC rod. Different coating systems for different machines and applications.
Key Differences
| Attribute | E7016 | E6010 |
|---|---|---|
| Polarity | AC, DCEP | DCEP only |
| Hydrogen Level | Low hydrogen | High hydrogen (cellulose) |
| Penetration | Medium | Very deep |
| Tensile Strength | 70,000 psi | 60,000 psi |
| Arc Character | Smooth, quiet | Aggressive, digging |
| Dirty Metal | Poor - needs clean surface | Excellent - burns through rust |
| Storage | Rod oven required | No special storage |
| Best Application | Structural with AC machine | Pipe roots, field repair with DC |
Use E7016 when:
Use E6010 when:
How E7016 and E6010 Work Together
E7016 is the low-hydrogen rod for AC-only welding machines. If you have a buzz box (AC transformer welder) and need low-hydrogen properties for structural work, E7016 is the only option since E7018 often requires DC for best performance. E6010 is the opposite: deep penetration, high hydrogen, DC only. These rods have nothing in common except the E prefix. Choose based on your machine and whether you need low-hydrogen properties or deep penetration.
Common Mistake With AC Low-Hydrogen
Running E6010 on an AC-only welder. E6010 requires DC (DCEP). It will not maintain a stable arc on AC. If you have an AC-only machine and need penetration, use E6011 instead.
Where to Buy
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