One of the most difficult aspects of stick welding is picking the right welding electrode, often known as a rod or stick. Hence, welding rods 6010 and 7018 are two of the most used types.
Many times, welders are unable to differentiate between the two welding rods and end up selecting the incorrect one.
By becoming knowledgeable about welding rods, you can avoid making this error. That’s why we’ll cover this crucial subject in this article and help you to understand 6010 vs 7018 welding rods!
Comparison Table on 6010 and 7018
We have made a comparison table where we have pointed out different criteria for making your comparison process easier. Take a look!
| Topic | 6010 Welding Rod | 7018 Welding Rod |
| Weld Current | Needs less amperage | Requires high amperage |
| Price | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Wire coating | Bare | Nickel Coating |
| Elongation | Higher Elongation | Lower elongation |
| Position | Suitable for all positions | Suitable for every position except horizontal or wall joints |
| Material | 85% Iron & 15% Chromium | 95% Iron & 5% Cobalt |
| Arc performance and porosity | Doesn’t have porosity | Have porosity |
| Tensile and Yield Strength | Low | High |
| Thermal Stability | Less cobalt, more thermal Stability | More cobalt, less thermal stability |
| Abrasion Resistance | Manufactures more spotters | Manufactures less spotters |
| Supplies | DC | AC and DC |
What is 6010 Welding Rod
E 6010 is an overall electrode that performs welding in all positions, but it works especially well in vertical-up and overhead positions.
However, it has a low electrode deposition rate. It is also easy to control. The electrode arc develops a flat weld bead and produces little slag.
Pros Cons of 6010 Welding Rod
What is 7018 Welding Rod
E 7018 is a low hydrogen electrode that is utilized with thick sections and metal. It is prone to cracking indeed.
The electrode lowers the possibility of hydrogen embrittlement cracking while welding thick sections.
It also creates welds with outstanding toughness and high ductility.
Pros Cons of 7018 Welding Rod
What are the similarities between 6010 and 7018
Both are made of weld beads that are solid or grey and include iron powder. They work on the majority of metals, with the exception of magnesium alloys, platinum, and aluminum.
The 6010 and 7018 rods have a simple way to remove positive slag. You have to store them away from dampness and open flames in a dry, well-ventilated place.
Both types of electrodes offer exceptional strength characteristics that can help you produce high-quality welds for your professional or DIY projects.
What is the difference between a 6010 and 7018 electrode
Now, you might want to know about 6010 VS 7018 Welding Electrodes: detailed comparison. For this, you need to know about the 6010 and 7018 welding rods in detail.
6010 welding rod
The E6010 bead has a smooth, flat surface. The slag is paper-like, light, and just somewhat difficult to remove. However, there might be some splatter, and controlling the DC arc is challenging.
The whip-and-pause method is frequently recommended to regulate the temperature of the weld pool. It is an excellent option for stove pipe welding due to its deep penetration and quick-freeing cellulose flux.
Furthermore, surfaces that are rusted, dirty, or galvanized have no impact on how well it performs. One of the most often used sticks in the industry is the E6010. It is a DC-only, all-position rod.
It is frequently utilized for root pass welds because of its well-known deep penetration.
7018 welding rod
An all-position, low hydrogen electrode is E7018. Although it is mostly utilized with a DC input, it is compatible with both AC and DC supply.
Hydrogen doesn’t break because of the naturally low hydrogen levels. As a result, it pairs well with metals like structural and high-carbon steel. In this case, flux creates thick slag that adheres to the metal.
To totally remove it from the joint, some effort is needed. It has very little splatter and runs smoothly and silently. This welding rod is a fill-freeze rod with medium fill and shallow to moderate penetration. The arc is stable and simple to manage.
To guarantee the appropriate low amounts of hydrogen, it is suggested that E7018 rods be oven-baked before use and kept in dry settings.
The applications, joint strength, and flux coating of 6010 and 7018 electrodes are different.
6018 or 7018 welding rod; which one should you choose?
Comparing the 6010 and 7018 welding rods, we can see that due to their low hydrogen concentration, E7018 generates stronger joints and is compatible with high-carbon steels. Compared to E6010, its slag is thicker and more challenging to remove.
Choosing the right one for you depends totally on your usage. For example-
Check your joints’ required joint strength. For instance, if you require 65,000 psi, you instantly rule out E6010 rods and search for an appropriate E7018.
Take into account elements like surface cleanliness, plate/sheet thickness, penetration, and joint access for slag removal. A low hydrogen rod-like E7018 is required if your base metal is susceptible to hydrogen cracking.
Considering everything, you have to choose one for you. We have pointed out everything for your convenience.
Now, think and choose!
FAQs
7018 is a drag welding rod.
The hot pass is usually used by 7018.
You have to whip and pause 6010 because 6010 electrodes are quick-freezing electrodes, the brief whip lets the puddle partially solidify.
Final Verdict
We have discussed two popular, 6010 and 7018 welding electrodes, outlining their key traits, differences, and ideal uses for each. Every job demands a specific stick electrode, which calls for considerable expertise.
We hope you have enjoyed and learned from reading this. Please let us know if you have any feedback.