Impact-Tested vs Standard Low-Hydrogen Structural Rod
E7018-1 with -20F impact testing vs standard E7018 with 0F testing. Same rod, different certification level.
Key Differences
| Attribute | E7018-1 | E7018 |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Test Temperature | -20F (-29C) | 0F (-18C) |
| Impact Requirement | 20 ft-lbs min at -20F | 20 ft-lbs min at 0F |
| Chemistry | Identical to E7018 | Standard |
| Arc Characteristics | Identical | Standard |
| Cost | 5-15% more | Standard pricing |
| Code Requirement | AWS D1.1 seismic, cold climate | AWS D1.1 standard |
| Storage | Same rod oven requirements | Same rod oven requirements |
Use E7018-1 when:
Use E7018 when:
How E7018-1 and E7018 Work Together
These rods weld identically. The difference is on the test report, not in the puddle. E7018-1 has been tested and certified to pass Charpy impact at -20F, while standard E7018 is only tested at 0F. If the WPS or engineer specifies -1, you must use -1. If the code does not require it, standard E7018 is fine and slightly cheaper. In practice, many premium E7018 brands actually meet -1 requirements but are not certified to them.
Common Mistake With Impact-Tested
Assuming standard E7018 will fail at -20F. It might not. But you cannot prove it meets the requirement without the -1 certification. On code work, the paperwork matters as much as the weld. Use what the WPS calls for.
Where to Buy
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Data sourced from .