6011 vs 7018 Rods: Similarities and Differences (Explained)
6011 and 7018 welding rod has been very common name for welders. Hence, choosing between 6011 and 7018 welding rods isn’t easy as both electrodes have their merits and shortcomings.
A 6011 welding rod can be used for deep penetration whereas a 7018 electrode is mainly used for structural and stronger welding.
6011 welding rods are made of high-quality, alloyed steel that is heat-treated to make it tough and resistant to wear and tear. They are also designed to produce a smooth, consistent weld with little or no spatter.
Hence, 7018 welding rods are made of a different alloy that is heat-treated to make it tougher and more resistant to wear and tear. They also have a higher carbon content, which makes them more heat-resistant and produces a sharper, cleaner weld with less spatter.
Let’s have a deep insight so that you can choose your most suitable one!
Table of Contents
Comparison Table on 6011 and 7018 welding rods
E6011 and E7018 welding rods are used in different circumstances. Their coding composition and characteristics are also different from each other.
Let’s have a quick look at this comparison table to have an initial idea regarding the difference between 6011 and 7018.
| Welding Rods | 6011 | 7018 |
| Thickness | 1/4 inch | 1/8, 3/32, 5/32 inch |
| Penetration | Deep | Medium |
| Flux | Cellulose with Potassium | Low Hydrogen + Iron Powder |
| Runs On | AC / DC | AC / DC |
| Tensile Strength | 60000 psi | 70000 psi |
| Welding Position | All Positions | All Positions |
| Slag Type | Very little | Thick |
| Other specifications | Fast Freeze Rods, Good for root passes or deep gouging | Low, medium and high carbon steels, Higher strength low alloy steels |
What is 6011 Welding Rod
The electrode or E6011 welding rods are made of a variety of alloys, including tin, lead, and nickel. They are used in gas and electric welding, and in pipe welding.
E6011 welding rods have a low melting point, so they are used in applications where a low-temperature weld is needed. They are also used in applications where a high-quality weld is needed, despite a low temperature. And it runs on both AC/DC currents while leaving very little slag.
Pros Cons of 6011 Welding Rod
Here are some important pros and cons of 6011 welding rods that you need to know.
Read More: What Is 6011 Welding Rod Used For? Explained!
What is 7018 Welding Rod
7018 welding rod is a great choice for welding stainless steel. It has a high quality, consistent weld, and long life.
It has low hydrogen and Iron powder in its flux which makes E7018 work with the low, medium, and high carbon steels and higher strength low alloy steels. This gives good control over the arc and minimizes the post-weld mess.
Pros Cons of 7018 Welding Rod
While there are many advantages of E7018 to discuss but it has some Cons too.
Similarities between 6011 and 7018 Welding Rods
6011 and 7018 welding rods share a lot of similarities. First of all, they are both made of a wire alloy and their flux is placed by the Extrusion method.
Both 6011 and 7018 welding rods are heat-resistant. That’s why working with these rods is easy. And they can be used in all positions because of the small position rod which is used in both 6011 and 7018 electrodes.
They are also both able to resist corrosion and are both able to be used in a variety of welding applications. The 6011 and 7018 welding rods can run on both AC and DC currents.
Differences between 6011 and 7018 Welding Rods
There are some significant differences between 6011 and 7018 welding rods. The most obvious difference is the material composition. 6011 welding rods are made of a higher-quality nickel-chromium alloy while 7018 welding rods are made of a lower-quality nickel-cadmium alloy.
The tensile strength of the 6011 welding rod is 60000 psi and the 7018 welding rod’s tensile strength is 70000 psi. Hence, the 6011 welding rod has a fast freeze, rod, on the other hand, the 7018 hasn’t have a fast freeze rod which takes them along to cool down.
The other major difference between these two welding rods is the heat-treating process. 6011 welding rods are heat-treated to increase their strength and hardness, while 7018 welding rods are not heat-treated. This may affect the weld quality and performance.
6011 or 7018 Welding Rod: Which one should you choose?
When it comes to welding rods, there are a few things to consider. Below are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing the right welding rod for your project:
Material: The material being welded should be considered when choosing a welding rod. For aluminum, the 6011 welding rod is generally recommended because it has a higher melting point and is less likely to cause issues. On the other hand, the 7018 welding rod is better for steel and other metal types.
Welding Arc: The welding arc is also important to consider. A wide welding arc is good for welding large pieces of metal, while a narrow welding arc is better for welding low alloy steels. Welding of a fixed position pipe using a 7018 welding rod for root pass is very difficult due to the iron powder in the coating.
Read More: Tig Vs Arc Welding (Differences, Pros, And Cons) Explained
FAQs
Here “E” means the Extrusion method by which the flux of low hydrogen and iron powder is placed on the rod. “7” shows that it has 70000 psi. “1” means this rod can be used in all positions. And “8” says that the penetration is medium of this rod.
A 6011 welding rod can work on both AC/DC currents and It has a fast freeze rod. However, it is good for root passes / deep gouging.
7018 welding rod must store in a dry place (not too hot ) and it should be kept up to the floor.
There are 1.5mm, 2.5mm, 3.15mm, 4.0mm, and 5.0mm available for the 7018 welding rod.
Final Verdict:
6011 vs 7018 welding rod comparison is that the 6011 is better overall!
It has more features, is faster, and is cheaper. In conclusion, it seems that the 6011 may be a better fit for certain welders than the 7018.
For example, welders who are looking for more flexibility in their work may prefer the 6011. Conversely, welders who are looking for a more regimented program may prefer the 7018.
Ultimately, the best choice for a welder depends on their individual needs and preferences.
