6013 vs 7018 Welding Rods: Which One Will Be Better For You
While selecting the right welding rod for your project, you need to know about its strength, welding positions, and many more similarities and differences of them. In terms of 6013 and 7018 welding rods, the same thing should happen!
You should know all about 6013 vs 7018 welding rods before choosing one for you. The 6013 welding rods are used for AC and DC current applications. Its maximum strength of tensile is 60,000 psi (Pound-force square inch).
And the 7018 welding sticks are used for welding medium and high-carbon steels. The strength (also called tensile) of the 7018 welding rod is up to 70,000 psi (Pound-force per square inch).
Confused by the similarities and the differences between 6013 and 7018 rods? Here’s what you need to know in welding terms and which rod to choose.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table On 6013 vs 7018 Welding Rod
| Welding Rods | 6013 | 7018 |
| Thickness | 1/4 inch | 1/8, 3/32, 5/32 inch |
| Penetration | Medium | Medium |
| Flux | Rutile and Titanium with Potassium | Low Hydrogen + Iron Powder |
| Runs On | AC / DC | AC / DC |
| Tensile Strength | 60,000 psi | 70,000 psi |
| Welding Position | Work on all Positions | All Positions |
| Slag | Light | Thick |
| Other specifications | Mainly use in thin or sheet metal pieces | Medium and high carbon steels, Higher strength low alloy steels |
Read More: Types Of Welding Rods: Everything You Need To Know
What is a 6013 welding rod?
Welding rods come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most common welding rod size is 6013. This size is good for welding almost all types of steel.
The 6013 rods are the best suitable for medium penetration that is done on thin or sheet metal pieces. These electrodes are also used in manufacturing frame bodies of vehicles.
It is also a beginner-friendly practice to use 6013 welding rods. Especially, when working on projects which require low psi.
Read More: What Is The 6013 Welding Rod Used For?
Pros-cons of 6013 welding rod
What is 7018 welding rod?
7018 welding rods are heat-resistant and produce a sharper, cleaner weld with less spatter. They also have a higher carbon content, which makes them more beneficial.
These welding rods are made of a different alloy that is heat-treated to make it tougher and more resistant to wear and tear.
The 7018 has less hydrogen and Iron in its flux which makes 7018 work with the 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
Read More: What Is 7018 Welding Rod Used For? (Explained)
Similarities between 6013 and 7018 welding rods
Structurally, 6013 and 7018 welding rods are very similar because they are both made from high-quality, alloyed steel. There are more things to know about the similarities between a 6013 and 7018 welding stick.
Production Method: The 6013 and 7018 welding rods- both have a nickel-chromium-molybdenum content of at least 20%. And made from high-quality, alloyed steel.
Technique: They both have a thermal conductivity of around 0.6 W/m K. these two rods are both easy to use and can be welded with a variety of welding techniques. Most importantly, both 6013 and 7018 welding rods are heat-resistant.
Flux: They are both made of a wire alloy and their flux is placed by the Extrusion method. That’s why working with these rods is easy.
Positioning: They can be used in all positions because of the small position rod which is used in both 6013 and 7018 electrodes.
The 6013 and 7018 welding rods are also able to resist corrosion and are both able to be used in a variety of welding applications. They can run on both AC and DC currents.
Difference between 6013 and 7018 welding rods
However, there are some important differences between these welding rods. 7018 welding rods are more heat-resistant than 6013 welding rods. They are also more resistant to wear and tear.
The most common difference between 6013 and 7018 welding rods is the diameter. 6013 welding rods have a diameter of 0.8 inches, while 7018 welding rods have a diameter of 1.25 inches. Other differences between 6013 and 7018 welding rods include the material composition and the temper.
The tensile strength of 6013 is 60000 psi and 7the 018 stick has a tensile strength of 70000 psi. Now that, you understand both similarities and differences between 6013 and 7018 rods, it’s time to choose one of them.
6013 or 7018 welding rod: Which one should you choose?
Choosing a welding rod for your work depends on various things. Such as your location, weld materials, welder’s experience, etc.
Most beginner welders choose 6013 welding rods for welding. Because it can use on projects which require low KSI values.
Moreover, welders with good experience choose 7018 welding sticks. The 7018 rods are usable for industrial works. But you have to be very careful while using the 7018 rods.
So, if you are a beginner and want to learn the art of welding, then go for 6013. otherwise, you can choose 7018.
FAQs
Both 6013 and 7018 welding rods can perform on AC and DC.
No, 6013 is not a fast-freezing welding rod.
The 7018 rods can perform on 70000 KSI levels.
7018 welding rods are stronger than 6013 rods.
Verdict
You must choose a welding rod according to the project that you are working on. One of the main materials for welding is the welding rod.
If you are working with thin and metal sheets then go for the 6013 welding rod. And if your priority is smooth and strong welding results, then choose the 7018 welding rod.
You can use the welder for AC, DC reverse, and DC straight with both 6013 or 7018. For thin metals, DC straight polarity is recommended.
Read More: 7018 Vs 7014 Welding Rods: Similarities And Dissimilarities
