Harris E7018 is an AWS A5.1/A5.1M E7018 iron powder/low-hydrogen SMAW electrode delivering 70 ksi minimum tensile strength on DC+ (DCEP) or AC power in all welding positions. The iron-powder, low-hydrogen coating produces an exceptionally smooth, stable arc with minimal spatter, excellent bead appearance, and low diffusible hydrogen content — making E7018 the standard electrode for structural steel fabrication, pressure vessel welding, bridges, heavy equipment, and any application requiring AWS D1.1 prequalification. Harris E7018 meets all AWS A5.1 compositional and mechanical requirements and is suited for single-pass and multi-pass welding on mild and medium-carbon steel base metals. WeldingMart stocks Harris E7018 in standard 1/8 and 5/32 in diameters.
AWS classification |
AWS A5.1/A5.1M E7018 |
|---|---|
Coating type |
Iron powder / low-hydrogen |
Polarity |
DC+ (DCEP) or AC |
Welding positions |
All positions: 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead) |
Minimum tensile strength |
70,000 psi (483 MPa) |
Minimum yield strength |
58,000 psi (400 MPa) |
Elongation |
22% minimum |
Max diffusible hydrogen |
≤16 mL/100g (E7018 standard designation) |
Charpy V-notch impact |
20 ft·lbf at −20°F (as-welded per AWS A5.1) |
Typical current range |
3/32 in: 70–100 A | 1/8 in: 90–150 A | 5/32 in: 120–200 A | 3/16 in: 150–250 A |
Available diameters |
1/8, 5/32 in (check variant selector) |
Manufacturer |
Harris Products Group |
Standards compliance |
AWS A5.1/A5.1M E7018 |
Harris E7018 is the most widely specified mild-steel SMAW electrode for structural and pressure-critical applications:
Structural steel fabrication: AWS D1.1 prequalified for structural welding — beams, columns, connections, and seismic applications where fracture toughness and low hydrogen are required
Pressure vessels and boilers: ASME Section IX qualification and AWS D1.1 prequalification make E7018 the standard choice for pressure-retaining welds on carbon steel
Bridge and infrastructure welding: High Charpy impact values at −20°F and low-hydrogen deposit meet bridge welding code (AWS D1.5) toughness requirements
Heavy equipment and machinery: Multi-pass capability, excellent penetration, and 70 ksi strength handle thick-section steel on excavators, cranes, trucks, and industrial machinery
Fabrication shops and job sites: The all-position capability, smooth arc, and predictable deposition make E7018 the preferred electrode for experienced stick welders in shop and field environments
Repair and maintenance of carbon steel: Reliable results on mild, medium-carbon, and low-alloy steels for maintenance welding that requires code-quality deposits
E7018 requires proper machine setup and technique to achieve its full structural performance:
Amperage: Match amperage to diameter — 1/8 in: 90–150 A, 5/32 in: 120–200 A. Run at the high end of the range for thick plate and multi-pass fill passes; use lower amperage on thin material or root passes. Correct amperage produces a fluid, well-tied-in puddle without excessive heat input.
Polarity: Use DC+ (DCEP) for maximum penetration and optimal hydrogen control. AC is also permitted by the E7018 designation and is acceptable on machines without DC output, though DC+ is always preferred for structural applications.
Arc length: Keep arc length short — no more than 1× rod diameter. Low-hydrogen coatings generate CO₂/CO shielding that is diluted by a long arc, allowing hydrogen pickup. A short, tight arc is critical to maintaining low diffusible hydrogen.
Travel angle: 5–15° drag angle for flat and horizontal; slight whip or weave technique for vertical-up positions. For vertical-up, a Z-weave or triangle weave controls the fluid puddle and prevents undercut.
Interpass temperature: For most A36/A572 structural steel, preheat is not required below 1 in thickness. For thicker plate or higher-carbon steel, follow AWS D1.1 preheat tables. Monitor interpass temperature — keep below 550°F (290°C) maximum for most structural steel to control heat input.
Arc striking: Scratch-start on DC+; scratch-start or tap-start on AC. E7018 has a more demanding arc start than rutile electrodes — ensure the rod end is clean and free of moisture-contaminated coating fragments before striking.
Slag removal: E7018 produces a heavy, slow-solidifying slag that provides excellent atmospheric protection during cooling. Chip and wire brush between passes. Failure to remove slag fully before the next pass causes slag inclusions.
Low-hydrogen electrode storage is critical to maintaining weld quality and meeting code requirements for diffusible hydrogen:
Sealed containers: Store unopened cans or hermetically sealed packages in a dry location at 50–120°F (10–49°C). Do not open until ready to use.
Oven storage after opening: AWS D1.1 and ASME codes require E7018 to be stored in a holding oven at 250–300°F (121–149°C) once the container is opened. Time out of the oven before use is limited — AWS D1.1 allows a maximum of 4 hours exposure for E7018 (H8) before redrying is required.
Redrying: Exposed E7018 that has exceeded out-time limits should be redried at 500–800°F (260–427°C) for 1–2 hours before use. Do not exceed the electrode manufacturer's redry temperature. Rods must be cooled to handling temperature before use.
Quivers and rod ovens: Use a heated electrode quiver (rod oven set to 100–150°F) at the work site to maintain dryness during a welding shift.
Never use wet or moisture-contaminated rods: Moisture in the coating causes porosity, worm-hole defects, and elevated diffusible hydrogen — directly increasing the risk of hydrogen-assisted cracking (HAC) on restrained joints and higher-strength steels.
Harris E7018 is formulated for carbon and low-alloy steels and is compatible with a wide range of joint configurations:
Base metals: ASTM A36, A572 (Grade 50, 60), A516 (Grades 55, 60, 65, 70 pressure vessel plate), A517 (with preheat), A588 weathering steel (single-pass), A106 pipe (Grades B, C), and similar mild-to-low-alloy steels with carbon equivalent under 0.45
Joint types: Butt joints (all groove configurations — V, double-V, J, U), fillet welds, plug welds, slot welds, and PJP/CJP groove welds. AWS D1.1 Table 4.5 prequalifies E7018 for all common joint designs.
Dissimilar metal welding: E7018 is acceptable for joining A36 to A572, or for single-layer cladding over lower-strength steel where the higher strength of the deposit is acceptable in the application design
Stainless steel compatibility: E7018 is a carbon-steel electrode and is NOT suitable for welding austenitic stainless steel. Use E308L, E309L, or E316L stainless stick electrodes for stainless steel applications.
What is E7018 welding rod used for?
Harris E7018 is used for structural steel fabrication, pressure vessel welding, heavy equipment repair, and any application requiring AWS D1.1 prequalification. The low-hydrogen, iron-powder coating provides 70 ksi minimum tensile strength, excellent Charpy impact toughness, and low diffusible hydrogen — making it the go-to electrode for code-quality stick welding on mild and low-alloy carbon steel.
What is the difference between E7018 and E6013?
E7018 provides 70 ksi minimum tensile strength vs. 60 ksi for E6013. E7018 uses an iron powder / low-hydrogen coating that minimizes diffusible hydrogen and is required by structural codes; E6013 uses a rutile (titania) coating that is easier to run but has higher hydrogen and is not prequalified for most structural codes. For code welding on structural steel, use E7018. For light fabrication, training, or AC-only welders, E6013 is acceptable.
Do I need to store E7018 in an oven?
Yes. After opening, E7018 electrodes should be stored in a holding oven at 250–300°F (121–149°C). AWS D1.1 limits the maximum out-of-oven time to 4 hours for E7018 (H8) before redrying is required. On job sites, use a heated electrode quiver to maintain dryness during a welding shift. Failure to control moisture in low-hydrogen electrodes leads to hydrogen-assisted cracking in restrained joints.
What polarity is E7018?
E7018 runs on DC+ (DCEP) as the preferred polarity for maximum penetration and best mechanical properties. AC is also permitted — the "8" suffix in E7018 designates iron-powder low-hydrogen coating with AC or DC+ compatibility. For structural or code welding, always use DC+ when a DC machine is available.
Can Harris E7018 be used for vertical welding?
Yes. The "1" in E7018 designates all-position capability — flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead. For vertical-up welding, use a Z-weave or triangle weave technique to control the fluid weld pool. For vertical-down, E7018 is generally not used — vertical-down stick welding on structural applications requires a cellulosic electrode (E6010/E6011) for adequate penetration.
What is the amperage for 1/8 inch E7018?
The typical amperage range for 1/8 in (3.2 mm) E7018 is 90–150 A. Start at the mid-range (120 A) and adjust based on base metal thickness, joint type, and position. For 3G (vertical) or 4G (overhead), use lower amperage (90–120 A) to control the fluid puddle. For flat and horizontal fill passes on thick plate, use 130–150 A for maximum deposition.
Is E7018 good for beginners?
E7018 is more demanding than E6013 for beginners due to its short arc length requirement, oven storage needs, and less forgiving arc characteristics. However, many welding schools teach E7018 from the start because it is the industry standard for structural welding. With proper amperage setting and arc length discipline, E7018 produces excellent results — the investment in learning E7018 technique pays off in professional-grade structural weld quality.
Browse all stick electrodes: Stick Welding Electrodes & Rods — or compare with Lincoln Excalibur 7018 MR for premium H4R low-hydrogen performance, or Harris E6013 for light fabrication and training applications on AC machines.
This product is in stock and ships directly from WeldingMart's warehouse. Add the Harris E7018 welding rod to your cart and place your order online — we process orders quickly with same-day shipping on in-stock items. Create a WeldingMart account to track your order status, view your order history, and manage reorders. Our product comes in multiple package sizes; select your preferred quantity and diameter from the variant selector before adding to cart. We keep popular E7018 stock levels high to meet demand from structural fabricators, shipbuilders, and maintenance shops. Questions about this product? Contact our welding specialists before you order.
Harris E7018 is available in multiple electrode diameters. Selecting the correct diameter for your base metal thickness is critical for weld quality and penetration depth.
| Electrode Diameter | Base Metal Range | Amperage Range | Best Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/32 in (2.4 mm) | 3/32 in to 1/4 in (2.4–6.4 mm) | 40–80 A | All positions |
| 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 1/8 in to 3/8 in (3.2–9.5 mm) | 75–130 A | All positions |
| 5/32 in (4.0 mm) | 3/16 in to 1/2 in (4.8–12.7 mm) | 110–175 A | Flat/horizontal preferred |
The 1/8 in (3.2 mm) diameter is the most versatile option for general fabrication on material from 3/16 in to 3/8 in thickness. Use 3/32 in for sheet metal and thin sections where 1/8 in would cause excessive heat input. Use 5/32 in for heavier sections where higher deposition rates reduce total welding time. For most structural repair and field work, 1/8 in is the preferred starting diameter.
When ordering Harris E7018 in 3/32 in, 1/8 in, or 5/32 in, select the correct diameter variant from the product page before adding to cart. Each diameter is a separate product variant with its own SKU — confirm you have selected the right 1/8 in, 3/32 in, or 5/32 in size before placing your order.
WeldingMart ships Harris E7018 from our warehouse with fast processing. This product ships in the original manufacturer packaging to ensure electrode integrity during transit. Each product order ships with a manufacturer lot number for traceability. Add the correct diameter to your cart — select the product variant (1/8 in, 3/32 in, or 5/32 in) before you add to cart.
- How to add to cart: Select your preferred diameter and package size, then add the product to your cart. Review your cart to confirm the correct product variant and quantity before checkout.
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This product ships with tracking. Once your order ships, you will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information. Check your account order history for the latest shipment status on all orders. If you need to add additional products to your order, add them to cart before checkout — orders cannot be modified after they ship.
Additional technical considerations for Harris E7018 include: low hydrogen, stick, mechanical properties, stable, bead, excellent mechanical properties, piping, shipbuilding, ideal, size, welding positions, pressure vessels. Welders should review the product data sheet for complete welding procedure specifications. Key process parameters such as preheat requirements, interpass temperature, and post-weld heat treatment requirements vary by base metal composition and application code requirements. Consult AWS, ASME, or applicable structural welding codes for code-compliant welding procedures.
For best results, store electrodes in a dry environment and use within manufacturer recommended timeframes after opening. Proper electrode storage and handling directly impacts weld quality — follow manufacturer guidance for oven temperatures and rod reconditioning procedures as applicable to this electrode classification.
Harris E7018 is available in multiple electrode diameters. Selecting the correct diameter for your base metal thickness is critical for weld quality and penetration depth.
| Electrode Diameter | Base Metal Range | Amperage Range | Best Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/32 in (2.4 mm) | 3/32 in to 1/4 in (2.4–6.4 mm) | 40–80 A | All positions |
| 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 1/8 in to 3/8 in (3.2–9.5 mm) | 75–130 A | All positions |
| 5/32 in (4.0 mm) | 3/16 in to 1/2 in (4.8–12.7 mm) | 110–175 A | Flat/horizontal preferred |
The 1/8 in (3.2 mm) diameter is the most versatile option for general fabrication on material from 3/16 in to 3/8 in thickness. Use 3/32 in for sheet metal and thin sections where 1/8 in would cause excessive heat input. Use 5/32 in for heavier sections where higher deposition rates reduce total welding time. For most structural repair and field work, 1/8 in is the preferred starting diameter.
When ordering Harris E7018 in 3/32 in, 1/8 in, or 5/32 in, select the correct diameter variant from the product page before adding to cart. Each diameter is a separate product variant with its own SKU — confirm you have selected the right 1/8 in, 3/32 in, or 5/32 in size before placing your order.
Additional technical considerations for Harris E7018 include: low hydrogen, stable, bead, excellent mechanical properties, piping, shipbuilding, ideal, clean. Welders should review the product data sheet for complete welding procedure specifications. Key process parameters such as preheat requirements, interpass temperature, and post-weld heat treatment requirements vary by base metal composition and application code requirements. Consult AWS, ASME, or applicable structural welding codes for code-compliant welding procedures.
For best results, store electrodes in a dry environment and use within manufacturer recommended timeframes after opening. Proper electrode storage and handling directly impacts weld quality — follow manufacturer guidance for oven temperatures and rod reconditioning procedures as applicable to this electrode classification.
Harris E7018 is available in multiple electrode diameters. Selecting the correct diameter for your base metal thickness is critical for weld quality and penetration depth.
| Electrode Diameter | Base Metal Range | Amperage Range | Best Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/32 in (2.4 mm) | 3/32 in to 1/4 in (2.4–6.4 mm) | 40–80 A | All positions |
| 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 1/8 in to 3/8 in (3.2–9.5 mm) | 75–130 A | All positions |
| 5/32 in (4.0 mm) | 3/16 in to 1/2 in (4.8–12.7 mm) | 110–175 A | Flat/horizontal preferred |
The 1/8 in (3.2 mm) diameter is the most versatile option for general fabrication on material from 3/16 in to 3/8 in thickness. Use 3/32 in for sheet metal and thin sections where 1/8 in would cause excessive heat input. Use 5/32 in for heavier sections where higher deposition rates reduce total welding time. For most structural repair and field work, 1/8 in is the preferred starting diameter.
When ordering Harris E7018 in 3/32 in, 1/8 in, or 5/32 in, select the correct diameter variant from the product page before adding to cart. Each diameter is a separate product variant with its own SKU — confirm you have selected the right 1/8 in, 3/32 in, or 5/32 in size before placing your order.
Additional technical considerations for Harris E7018 include: low hydrogen. Welders should review the product data sheet for complete welding procedure specifications. Key process parameters such as preheat requirements, interpass temperature, and post-weld heat treatment requirements vary by base metal composition and application code requirements. Consult AWS, ASME, or applicable structural welding codes for code-compliant welding procedures.
For best results, store electrodes in a dry environment and use within manufacturer recommended timeframes after opening. Proper electrode storage and handling directly impacts weld quality — follow manufacturer guidance for oven temperatures and rod reconditioning procedures as applicable to this electrode classification.