7018 Welding Rod Specifications Properties Amperage Sizes Chart and Uses
7018 Welding Rod Specifications Properties Amperage Sizes Chart and Uses
Blog Article
Welding enthusiasts and professionals alike are constantly seeking in-depth information on welding rods to enhance their skills and knowledge. Among the most popular electrodes in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) is the 7018 welding rod, renowned for its versatility, strength, and high-quality weld characteristics. This article explores the specifications, properties, amperage requirements, sizes, and applications of the 7018 welding rod, providing a comprehensive guide for welders of all levels.
What is a 7018 Welding Rod?
The 7018 welding rod is a low-hydrogen electrode designed for SMAW. Its classification, "7018," provides key information about its properties:
Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties
The 7018 welding rod is composed of a low-carbon core wire with added manganese, silicon, and iron powder. This composition enhances weldability, deoxidizes the weld pool, and increases deposition rates. Key mechanical properties include:
Amperage and Sizes Chart
The amperage settings for the 7018 welding rod vary based on its diameter and the welding position. Below is a general amperage chart for common sizes:
| Diameter (inches) | Diameter (mm) | Amperage Range (A) | Typical Applications |
| 1/16 | 1.6 | 20-40 | Thin sheet metal |
| 5/64 | 2.0 | 30-50 | Small parts welding |
| 3/32 | 2.4 | 40-125 | General fabrication |
| 1/8 | 3.2 | 75-185 | Structural steel |
| 5/32 | 4.0 | 110-220 | Heavy equipment repair |
| 3/16 | 4.8 | 140-305 | Shipbuilding |
| 1/4 | 6.4 | 210-430 | Thick materials |
For vertical and overhead welding, slightly lower amperage is recommended to control the weld pool110.
Applications of 7018 Welding Rod
The 7018 welding rod is widely used in industries requiring strong, crack-resistant welds. Common applications include:
Benefits of 7018 Welding Rod
7018 vs 7014 Welding Rod
While both are popular electrodes, the 7018 and 7014 rods differ in coating composition and applications. The 7018 has a low-hydrogen coating, making it ideal for high-stress environments, whereas the 7014 has an iron powder-titanium oxide coating, offering higher deposition rates but less crack resistance113.
Tips for Using 7018 Welding Rod
For a more detailed exploration of the 7018 welding rod, including its chemical and mechanical properties, visit the full article here:Â 7018 Welding Rod Specifications: Properties, Amperage (Sizes) Chart, Uses, 7014 vs 7018 Electrodes.
By understanding the intricacies of the 7018 welding rod, welders can achieve superior results in their projects, ensuring durability and precision in every weld.
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