Master the Art of Welding with 7018 Stick Welding Rods

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The 7018 stick welding rod is one of the most trusted tools in the welding industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your welding journey, this rod stands out for its reliability, versatility, and ability to create clean, strong welds. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about 7018 rods—from their meaning and usage to proper storage and performance tips.

What Does “7018” Mean?

The AWS (American Welding Society) classification “7018” tells you a lot about the rod’s capabilities:

1. 70: The welds produced by this rod have a tensile strength of 70,000 psi, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications.
2. 1: Indicates that the rod can be used in all positions—flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead.
3. 8: Refers to its low-hydrogen flux coating and its compatibility with DC+ (Direct Current Electrode Positive) or AC (Alternating Current).

This combination of properties makes the 7018 rod versatile and essential for a variety of welding tasks.

Why Choose 7018 Rods?

The 7018 rod offers a range of benefits, including:

• Smooth Weld Beads: Delivers clean, visually appealing welds with minimal spatter.
• High Strength: Perfect for structural applications like bridges, buildings, and heavy machinery repairs.
• Low Hydrogen Coating: Reduces cracking, making it ideal for welding thick or high-stress materials.

Proper Storage of 7018 Rods

Since 7018 rods are low-hydrogen, they are highly sensitive to moisture. Proper storage is critical to maintaining their performance and avoiding weld defects like hydrogen-induced cracking.

Do You Need a Rod Oven?

Yes! To prevent moisture absorption, store 7018 rods in a rod oven. Follow these guidelines:

• Temperature: Maintain the rods at 250°F to 300°F (121°C to 149°C).
• Why It Matters: Moisture can lead to hydrogen inclusion, weakening the weld and increasing the risk of cracking.

What If You Don’t Have a Rod Oven?

• Short-Term Storage: Keep the rods sealed in their original packaging until use.
• Long-Term Storage: After opening, place the rods in an airtight container with desiccant packs to minimize moisture exposure.

Re-baking Wet 7018 Rods

If your rods absorb moisture, you can rebake them to restore their usability:

1. Heat the rods at 500°F to 600°F (260°C to 316°C) for 1-2 hours.
2. Transfer them to a rod oven at 250°F to 300°F for ongoing storage.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for re-baking.

Applications, Amperage Settings, and Positions Where to Use 7018 Rods

7018 rods are perfect for:

• Structural steel (e.g., bridges, buildings)
• Pressure vessels
• Heavy equipment and thick materials requiring high-strength welds

Recommended Amperage Settings

Choose the right amperage for your rod size:

• 3/32-inch (2.4mm): 40-100 amps
• 1/8-inch (3.2mm): 90-150 amps
• 5/32-inch (4.0mm): 110-225 amps

Welding Positions

7018 rods work seamlessly in all welding positions:

• Flat
• Horizontal
• Vertical Up
• Overhead

Polarity

These rods can be used with:

• DC+ (Direct Current Electrode Positive) for deeper penetration.
• AC (Alternating Current) when DC power isn’t available.