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Before I begin explaining the 6013 vs 7018 welding rods, you must have a fair understanding of the welding rod number meaning.
The first two numbers on the size number of the electrode represent the tensile strength of the electrode. For example, 60 indicates that the electrode has a tensile strength of 60,000 pounds per square inch.
The third digit signifies the position in which the rod can be used.
Number 1 stands for all positions, 2 for flat and horizontal positions, and 4 stands for overhead, vertical, horizontal, and flat electrode positions.
The last digit implies the coating that has been used and consequently the current that you can safely use.
We understand it is difficult to find out what welding rod to use. Hence, we have provided a guide below with the two major welding rods explained so you can select the most suitable welding rod for yourself.
In Brief: 6013 VS 7018 Electrodes :
These electrodes are commonly used for welding applications like shipbuilding, construction, and fabrication. The key difference between the 6013 vs 7018 welding rodes is that the 6013 rods can weld through various contaminants like rust or dirt. The 7018 rod, though provides greater weld quality and is more comfortable. However, it can only be operated on clean surfaces. Furthermore, the 7018 rod is superior in strength and elongation characteristics as compared to 6013 welding rods.
Overview of 6013 Electrode Rods
The 6013 rod is a commonly used welding rod in the industry. It is an all-position welding rod, the welds of which can resist 60,000 pounds of stress per square inch. Welding with 7018 has higher endurance, however, the 6013 welding rod is still pretty tough and sufficient for most projects. The electrode delivers a smooth and medium penetrating arc. These rods are compatible with AC and DC+ currents. It is usable with small AC power sources having low open-circuit voltage as well.
One reason why folks love the 6013 rod is due to the ability of the 6013 Electrode rods to handle different currents. This makes it very adaptable and hence can be used with any welding machine including small machines. Due to this feature, the 6013 rod is unique as other welding rods require larger machines. You can also use it at low voltages. Besides shipbuilding, the 6013 welding rod uses its applications in the build-up of over-machined and worn mild steel surfaces and general light fabrication.
The 6013 electrodes are built for lighter jobs like automotive projects due to minimal slag that can be lifted easily. In fact, the electrode’s swift freezing slag gives the best performance while welding in the vertical down position. The 6013 electrodes produce mild arcs with lesser spatters and can only be used for welding material that is clean, new sheet metal.
The wire is a mild steel electrode coated with high Titania potassium. We observed the coating helps in making a spray-type arc which leads to deep penetrating welds. In comparison to its peers, the wire has low elongation.
The 6013 rod has medium penetration on thinner sheet metals.
The ideal technique to use when welding with the 6013 electrodes is to maintain small circular motions across the joint. This is beneficial in making strong welds and is also a great way to control your speed.
Like most other electrodes, you must avoid the 6013 rods from coming into contact with any water. Typically, a moisture-proof container is ideal. If the 6013 electrode becomes damp for any reason it should be carefully dried out in a warm welding rod oven before use.
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Mild Steel |
| Wire Coating | High titania potassium |
| Tensile Strength | 60,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 48,000 psi |
| Position | All-positions |
- Welding 6013 has superior quality
- It is an electrode of all-positions
- Swift freezing slag ensures top performance
- The 6013 welding rod is low on strength
Overview of 7018 Electrode Rods
The 7018 electrode is the easiest to use. It comes with a thick flux with a high powder content. Penetration is negligible leading to a smooth and quiet arc with lesser spatters.
The 7018-welding rod is an all-position rod that produces weld beads that can resist 70,000 pounds of stress per square inch. Due to its iron powder low hydrogen coating, it can be used with AC, DC+, and DC- currents. Owing to its coating having a minuscule hydrogen content it produces welds that are smooth and very strong. By dragging the rod across the surface of the metal and moving it from side to side you can achieve these smooth and strong welds. This is also the reason for these electrodes being referred to as ‘low high’.
The 7018-welding rod is known to deliver uniform welds on metal and at temperatures below zero, it has greater impact properties. It is because of this the 7018 rods are used for ship hull construction, heavy-duty equipment, and production or fabrication.
7018 electrodes are widely used because of their versatile nature and they can weld thick materials like steel, and they produce strong welds. They are perfect for structural welding, pressure pipes, nuclear power plants, and large bridges.
Low hydrogen rods, however, do have some disadvantages. For instance, to ensure longevity they must be stored more carefully. Furthermore, they must be kept away from water or any form of moisture. To avoid this from happening they must be stored in an oven at 250 degrees F. If finances are not an issue, professional purpose-built welding is perfect. However, if you’re on a budget you could always try a makeshift oven of your own. The 7018 welding rod specifications are given below.
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Mild Steel |
| Wire Coating | Low hydrogen potassium |
| Tensile Strength | 70,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 58,000 psi |
- Good weld quality
- Quieter operation
- Splatter free arc
- Stable arc
- Low penetration
- Needs extra storage
Key Differences between 6013 and 7018 welding rods
The coating on the wires is completely different. While the 6013 is high in Titania potassium, the 7018 rod has a low hydrogen potassium coating.
Further, the electrodes have a wide contrast in yield and tensile strength. The 7018 has higher specifications in both. The 7018 electrode also has a higher elongation of 22 percent in 2 inches.
| Properties | 6013 | 7018 |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Mild Steel | Mild Steel |
| Wire Coating | High titania potassium | Low hydrogen potassium iron powder |
| Welding Current | AC, DC + | AC, DC + or DC – |
| Tensile Strength | 60,000 psi | 70,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 48,000 psi | 58,000 psi |
| Elongation (in 2 inches) | 17% | 22% |
Summary
The 6013 vs 7018 electrodes look identical but the similarities end there. While welding the 6013 has a deeper penetration than the 7018 electrodes on the surface of the job that the user is operating on.
Although the 6013 is harder to operate it leaves significantly less slag behind as compared to the 7018 electrodes. Notably, the 6013 also doesn’t require preparation using an oven to bake the electrodes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit like the 7018. It is imperative for welding with 7018 to have a clean surface for the root pass.
On the other hand, 7018 is significantly more accessible to use and produces a consistent quality of welds. 7018 is best used when the base metal is easily reachable. Aside from this, 7018 offers a much more stable arc and requires minimal oscillation.
Sean Coby is a welder par excellence and well respected among the welding community in Woodbridge, VA. He prides himself to be the fabricator and mechanic in the automotive/ diesel industry for the past more than eight years now. As the chief editor of his https://weldinginfocenter.com, he shares his experience to be safe during welding and to take proactive steps for becoming a successful welder like him.