E7018-1 Impact-Tested Structural Low-Hydrogen Rod
E7018-1 Amperage by Diameter
| Diameter | Amperage Range |
|---|---|
| 3/32" (2.4 mm) | 65 - 110A |
| 1/8" (3.2 mm) | 100 - 160A |
| 5/32" (4 mm) | 140 - 220A |
| 3/16" (4.8 mm) | 170 - 280A |
E7018-1 is a low-hydrogen iron powder electrode classified under AWS A5.1. It is mechanically identical to E7018 but with a mandatory additional requirement: Charpy V-notch impact testing at -20F (-29C) with a minimum of 20 ft-lbs average. Standard E7018 only requires impact testing at 0F. This additional toughness requirement makes E7018-1 the specified electrode for structural steel welding in cold climates, seismic applications (AWS D1.8), and critical structures where the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) calls out -1 grade material. E7018-1 runs identically to E7018 on DCEP or AC, with the same smooth arc, low spatter, and heavy slag coverage. Storage and baking requirements are the same as standard E7018.
What This Means in Practice
E7018-1 is identical to E7018 in chemistry and operation, but the -1 suffix means it must pass Charpy V-notch impact testing at -20F (-29C). Standard E7018 only requires impact testing at 0F. This matters for structural steel in cold climates, seismic zones, and any code work where the engineer specifies E7018-1 on the WPS.
E7018-1 Suitability Scores
How well this electrode matches common applications. Not a quality rating. all AWS-certified electrodes meet their specification.
When to Use E7018-1
Use E7018-1 when the WPS or engineering specification requires impact testing at -20F.
Required for AWS D1.1 structural steel in seismic zones, bridge construction in cold climates, and any application where sub-zero toughness is specified.
Also use when you want the assurance of impact-tested weld metal even if the code does not strictly require it.
E7018-1 Limitations
Same limitations as E7018: requires dry storage or rod oven, moisture sensitive, cannot weld on rusty or dirty metal.
Slightly more expensive than standard E7018 due to the additional testing requirements.
Not necessary for non-code shop work where impact toughness at -20F is irrelevant.
E7018-1 Storage Requirements
Rod oven at 250-300F (120-150C) after opening. Maximum atmospheric exposure: 4 hours for H4R grades, 9 hours for H8 grades. Reconditioning: 700F (370C) for 1 hour.
E7018-1 Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | E7018-1 |
| Process | stick-electrodes () |
| Polarity | AC, DCEP |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical up, overhead |
| Penetration | medium |
| Coating Type | low-hydrogen iron powder |
| Tensile Strength | 70,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 58,000 psi |
| Elongation | 22% |
| Impact Toughness | 20 ft-lbs at -20°F |
| Base Metals | Carbon steel, Low-alloy steel, Structural steel (A36, A572, A992) |
| AWS Specification | A5.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between E7018 and E7018-1?
The only difference is impact testing temperature. Standard E7018 must pass Charpy impact testing at 0F (-18C). E7018-1 must pass at -20F (-29C). The chemistry, operating characteristics, storage requirements, and amperage settings are identical. Use E7018-1 when the WPS or engineering specification requires impact testing at -20F, such as for structural work in seismic zones or cold climates.
Can I use E7018-1 as a regular E7018?
Yes. E7018-1 exceeds all requirements for standard E7018. It runs the same, stores the same, and welds the same. The -1 grade simply guarantees additional low-temperature toughness. There is no downside to using E7018-1 where E7018 is specified, other than slightly higher cost.
Does E7018-1 need a rod oven?
Yes. E7018-1 has the same low-hydrogen storage requirements as standard E7018. Store at 250-300F in a rod oven after opening. Maximum atmospheric exposure is 4 hours for H4R grades. Rods exposed to moisture must be reconditioned at 700F for 1 hour. Moisture contamination causes porosity and hydrogen cracking, especially on thick structural steel.
External Resources
Manufacturer data sheets and standards for E7018-1.
Data sourced from AWS A5.1/A5.1M. Amperage ranges are approximate starting points. adjust based on position, fit-up, and material thickness. Always follow manufacturer recommendations and applicable codes.