SMAW · Carbon steel
E6018
A low-hydrogen rod at the 60 ksi strength level, chosen when a moisture-controlled deposit is needed but the base metal does not call for 70 ksi weld metal.
What the designation means
Point at any character to see what it claims. The classification is a sentence written in fields, not a product name.
- EElectrode for shielded metal arc welding.
- 6060,000 psi minimum tensile strength, matching lower strength base metals.
- 1All positions.
- 8Low-hydrogen potassium covering carrying iron powder, run on alternating current or direct current electrode positive.
At a glance
- Process
- SMAW
- Family
- Carbon steel
- Positions
- All positions
- Polarity
- AC or DCEP
- Shielding
- Self-shielded by the covering
- Minimum tensile
- 60ksi
Typical uses
- Joints on lower strength carbon steels where matching strength is specified
- Crack-sensitive repairs that still need controlled hydrogen
- Weld procedures that call for a 60 ksi low-hydrogen consumable by classification
How it runs
- Smooth, quiet low-hydrogen arc with moderate penetration
- Dense slag that releases cleanly once the bead cools
- Slightly convex, evenly rippled bead
- Lower deposit strength than the 70 ksi low-hydrogen family with similar handling
Storage and handling
Treat as a low-hydrogen consumable. Move rods from the sealed container into a heated rod oven, keep exposure time short, and rebake per the manufacturer schedule if the rods sit out.
Compare with
SMAWE7018The workhorse structural low-hydrogen rod, giving a smooth arc, a moisture-controlled deposit, and the crack resistance that heavy sections and restrained joints demand.SMAWE7016A low-hydrogen rod with a tighter, less fluid puddle than its iron powder relative, which is why many pipe welders prefer it for vertical and overhead fills.SMAWE7028A low-hydrogen rod built for downhand production, combining moisture-controlled weld metal with the deposition rate of a heavy iron powder covering.