Structural Stick Rod vs MIG Wire for Mild Steel
E7018 low-hydrogen stick vs ER70S-6 MIG wire. The two most popular carbon steel filler metals compared across process lines.
Key Differences
| Attribute | E7018 | ER70S-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Stick (SMAW) | MIG (GMAW) |
| Hydrogen | Low hydrogen (H4-H8) | Not classified as low-H |
| Code Status | AWS D1.1 prequalified SMAW | AWS D1.1 prequalified GMAW |
| Speed | Moderate - rod changes slow | Fast - continuous wire |
| Cleanup | Heavy slag - must chip | No slag - minimal spatter |
| Wind Tolerance | Excellent | Poor - gas blown away |
| Equipment Cost | Low - basic stick welder | Higher - wire feeder + gas |
| Skill Required | Higher - arc management | Lower - automatic wire feed |
| Storage | Rod oven required | No special storage |
Use E7018 when:
Use ER70S-6 when:
How E7018 and ER70S-6 Work Together
E7018 stick and ER70S-6 MIG are the two most used carbon steel welding consumables in North America. For structural code work outdoors, E7018 dominates because it needs no gas and is AWS D1.1 prequalified. For shop fabrication, ER70S-6 MIG is faster and cleaner. Many shops use MIG for light and medium fabrication, then switch to E7018 stick for heavy structural or field work. Both produce high-quality welds when used correctly.
Common Mistake With Structural Stick Rod
Using ER70S-6 MIG as a substitute for E7018 stick on code work without verifying the WPS allows GMAW. Some structural codes and fabrication specifications require SMAW (stick) with low-hydrogen electrodes. MIG is not automatically interchangeable even though the weld strength is similar.
Where to Buy
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