E7018 vs E7024: All-Position vs High-Speed Flat Only
E7018 goes anywhere. E7024 goes fast. That is the entire tradeoff. E7024 puts down metal twice as fast in flat and horizontal, but if you need to weld overhead or vertical, it cannot do it.
E7018: You need to weld in any position, or the application requires low-hydrogen deposits and code compliance. E7024: You are doing high-volume flat or horizontal fillet welds on plate 1/4 inch or thicker.
Which One Should You Use?
Pick E7018 if:
You need to weld in any position, or the application requires low-hydrogen deposits and code compliance. E7018 is the correct choice for any structural, pressure, or quality-critical application.
Runs on DCEP, AC, 70-400A range. E7018 full amperage chart
Pick E7024 if:
You are doing high-volume flat or horizontal fillet welds on plate 1/4 inch or thicker. Maximum deposition rate matters more than position flexibility. Production welding in a shop where all joints are flat.
Runs on AC, DCEP, DCEN, 100-365A range. E7024 full amperage chart
The Numbers
| Attribute | E7018 | E7024 |
|---|---|---|
| Welding positions | All positions (flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead) | Flat and horizontal only |
| Deposition rate | Moderate | Very high (heavy iron powder coating) |
| Hydrogen level | Low hydrogen | Standard (not controlled) |
| Technique | Standard weaving or stringer technique | Drag technique (contact the work) |
| Operator skill required | Moderate | Low (drag rod simplifies technique) |
| Minimum plate thickness | No minimum | 1/4 inch minimum |
Settings at a Glance
Machine settings and operating characteristics side by side. For full amperage charts, see the individual electrode pages.
| Setting | E7018 | E7024 |
|---|---|---|
| Polarity | DCEP, AC | AC, DCEP, DCEN |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead | flat, horizontal |
| Penetration | medium | light to medium |
| Coating | low-hydrogen iron powder | iron powder titania |
| Amps at 1/8" | 90-160A | 100-145A |
| Amps at 5/32" | 130-200A | 140-190A |
| Amps at 3/16" | 200-280A | 180-250A |
How E7018 and E7024 Work Together
E7024 exists for one reason: filling flat and horizontal joints as fast as possible. Its iron powder content is roughly 50% of the coating weight, which means the rod melts fast and deposits a lot of metal per pass. On production runs where every joint is in the same position, E7024 can cut welding time in half compared to E7018. But the moment you need to weld vertical or overhead, E7024 is physically unable to do it. The puddle is too fluid to stay in place.
Common Mistake With E7018
Buying E7024 thinking it is a faster version of E7018 for all positions. It is not. E7024 is flat and horizontal only (the '2' in the last two digits means position 2). If your work involves mixed positions, E7018 is the only option. Stock E7024 only if you have a dedicated flat welding station.
Real-World Scenario
The Situation
You are welding long flat fillet welds on a structural beam in a shop. The work stays in flat and horizontal position. You need low-hydrogen deposits for code compliance.
The Call
Both rods deliver 70,000 psi tensile. E7024 has 50% iron powder in the coating, giving you nearly double the deposition rate of E7018 in flat position. E7018 is low-hydrogen. E7024 is not. If the joint stays flat and the code does not require low-hydrogen deposits, E7024 is faster. If any section goes vertical or overhead, E7024 cannot do it. E7018 welds all positions.
What Goes Wrong
Trying E7024 on a vertical joint is a mess. The heavy puddle runs down the plate before it freezes. The extra iron powder that makes it fast in flat position makes it impossible out of position.
Side by Side at the Arc
E7018: E7018 is the all-position workhorse. Controlled puddle, manageable slag, works wherever you point it. The deposition rate is steady but not fast.
E7024: E7024 feels like E7018 on steroids in flat position. The rod melts fast, the puddle is huge, and the bead lays down like paint. The slag is thick and heavy. You cover ground twice as fast but you are locked to flat and horizontal.
Skill Progression
Use E7018 for general structural work and all-position joints. Switch to E7024 only when the production volume justifies it and the joint stays in flat or horizontal position for the entire run.
Practical Differences
| Factor | E7018 | E7024 |
|---|---|---|
| Fume Level | Medium-Low (0.3-0.6 g/min) | Medium (0.5-1.0 g/min) |
| Storage | Rod oven required | Standard dry storage |
| Common Brands | Excalibur 7018 MR, Jetweld LH-78MR | Jetweld 1, Jetweld 2 |
Where to Buy
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E7018 vs E7024: Common Questions
Which is better, E7018 or E7024?
Different rods for different jobs. Key differences: Welding positions: E7018 has all positions (flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead), while E7024 has flat and horizontal only. Deposition rate: E7018 has moderate, while E7024 has very high (heavy iron powder coating). Hydrogen level: E7018 has low hydrogen, while E7024 has standard (not controlled). Match the rod to the work, not the other way around.
Can I substitute E7018 for E7024?
Not a straight swap. E7018 runs on DCEP/AC, E7024 on AC/DCEP/DCEN. Your machine decides. Penetration differs: E7018 is medium, E7024 is light to medium. Coating chemistry is different (low-hydrogen iron powder vs iron powder titania), so the arc and slag behave differently.
Can I use both E7018 and E7024 on the same joint?
E7024 exists for one reason: filling flat and horizontal joints as fast as possible. Its iron powder content is roughly 50% of the coating weight, which means the rod melts fast and deposits a lot of metal per pass. On production runs where every joint is in the same position, E7024 can cut welding time in half compared to E7018. But the moment you need to weld vertical or overhead, E7024 is physically unable to do it. The puddle is too fluid to stay in place.
Reference data only. Verify all settings against manufacturer documentation and the applicable welding code before use. Amperage ranges are starting points that vary by position, fit-up, and material. Welding involves serious injury risks including burns, electric shock, fume exposure, and fire. This site does not replace proper training, certification, or employer safety procedures. See full terms of use.
Data sourced from AWS A5.1/A5.1M.