Lincoln Excalibur 10018-D2 MR E10018-D2 — Overview
Lincoln Excalibur 10018-D2 MR is a low-alloy, low-hydrogen SMAW electrode classified to AWS A5.5/A5.5M E10018-D2, designed for welding high-strength structural steel, quenched-and-tempered (Q&T) steel, and heavy construction applications where 100 ksi minimum tensile strength is required. The D2 designation specifies a manganese-molybdenum alloy deposit (1.65–2.0% Mn, 0.25–0.45% Mo) that achieves exceptional strength and CVN toughness in the as-deposited and post-weld heat-treated condition. The MR (Moisture Resistant) hermetically sealed packaging maintains the H4 diffusible hydrogen designation until the can is opened — critical for preventing hydrogen-induced cracking in high-strength steels. DC+ (DCEP) only; all positions. Available at WeldingMart as an authorized Lincoln Electric distributor.
Specifications
| AWS classification | AWS A5.5/A5.5M E10018-D2 |
|---|---|
| Alloy chemistry (deposit) | 1.65–2.0% Mn, 0.25–0.45% Mo (D2 composition) |
| Coating type | Low-hydrogen, iron-powder basic |
| Polarity | DC+ (DCEP) only |
| Welding positions | All positions: 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G |
| Minimum tensile strength | 100,000 psi (690 MPa) |
| Minimum yield strength | 88,000 psi (607 MPa) |
| Elongation | 16% minimum |
| CVN impact (-20°F) | 40 ft-lb (54 J) per AWS A5.5 |
| Diffusible hydrogen | H4 — ≤ 4 mL/100g (MR packaging) |
| Moisture Resistant (MR) | Yes — hermetically sealed packaging |
| Typical current range | 1/8 in: 100–150 A | 5/32 in: 130–190 A | 3/16 in: 160–230 A |
| Available diameters | 1/8, 5/32, 3/16 in |
| Manufacturer | Lincoln Electric |
| Standards compliance | AWS A5.5/A5.5M; AWS D1.1; ASME Section IX |
Applications & Industries
Excalibur 10018-D2 MR is specified for high-strength steel welding in critical structural and construction applications:
- Quenched-and-tempered structural steel: Welding ASTM A514, A517, A709 Grade 100/100W, and equivalent Q&T steels requiring 100 ksi minimum tensile filler metal matching
- Heavy construction equipment: Crane booms, earthmoving equipment frames, mining equipment structures, and OEM fabrication on high-strength structural components
- Bridge fabrication: AWS D1.5 bridge code applications on higher-strength steel members where 100 ksi electrodes are required by the project specification
- Military and armor fabrication: Tactical vehicle structures and ballistic steel applications requiring high-strength Mn-Mo filler metal
- Offshore structures: High-strength steel nodes, jackets, and deck structures where elevated strength requirements combined with toughness certification are mandatory
- Pressure vessels and vessels under external pressure: ASME Section VIII applications on higher-strength alloy steels in the D2 composition range
Process Technology — How to Run E10018-D2
- Preheat: Mandatory. For A514/A517 Q&T steels, AWS D1.1 Table 3.2 requires preheat of 125–225°F depending on thickness category. Higher-CE steels may require up to 400°F. Follow your WPS.
- Interpass temperature maximum: 400°F (204°C) for Q&T steels. High interpass temperature degrades the tempered martensite microstructure of Q&T base metal — exceeding the interpass limit is the most common way to reduce the HAZ toughness on A514.
- Heat input control: Limit heat input per your WPS. For A514, AWS D1.1 specifies maximum heat input by plate thickness — typically 55–65 kJ/in for thinner material, up to 90 kJ/in for thicker sections. Excessive heat input over-tempers the HAZ and reduces strength.
- Low-hydrogen discipline: H4 diffusible hydrogen is non-negotiable on 100 ksi Q&T steels. Use directly from the sealed MR can or holding oven at 250–300°F. Do not leave electrodes in open air.
- Stringer beads: Stringer beads with minimal weave — wide weaving increases heat input and widens the over-tempered HAZ zone.
- Slag removal: Remove all slag between passes. Inspect each pass for cracks — restart immediately if visual inspection indicates cold cracking has occurred.
Storage & Handling — H4 Low-Hydrogen Critical
E10018-D2 MR is the highest-strength electrode in this product category — hydrogen control is the most important quality variable:
- Unopened MR can: Store in a dry location at ambient temperature. The hermetic seal maintains H4 condition indefinitely until opened.
- After opening: Transfer immediately to a holding oven at 250–300°F (121–149°C). Use within 4 hours of oven removal.
- Reconditioning: Per AWS A5.5, recondition at 700–800°F (371–427°C) for 1 hour. MR-grade electrodes may be reconditioned once — this restores H4 designation. Do not recondition more than once or recondition cracked/damaged coatings.
- Traceability: For code work requiring documentation, record lot numbers and traceability per your quality system. The hermetic MR can supports lot traceability for weld procedure documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is E10018-D2 used for?
- E10018-D2 is used for welding high-strength quenched-and-tempered structural steels (ASTM A514, A517, A709 Grade 100) and equivalent 100 ksi yield strength base metals in bridge fabrication, heavy construction equipment, mining structures, and offshore applications where AWS D1.1, D1.5, or ASME Section IX procedures require 100 ksi minimum tensile filler metal.
- What is the D2 alloy composition?
- The D2 suffix in AWS A5.5 specifies a manganese-molybdenum alloy deposit with 1.65–2.0% Mn and 0.25–0.45% Mo. The Mn-Mo combination provides the strength and toughness combination required for high-strength structural applications. D1 specifies lower Mn and Mo; D2 provides higher strength for 100 ksi class applications.
- Can E10018-D2 be used on A514 steel?
- Yes — E10018-D2 is one of the pre-qualified electrodes for ASTM A514 structural steel under AWS D1.1. The WPS must specify preheat (typically 125–225°F per D1.1 Table 3.2 depending on thickness), maximum interpass temperature (400°F), maximum heat input, and H4 low-hydrogen practice. Verify your specific A514 heat and thickness category against the D1.1 requirements before welding.
- What is the difference between E10018-D2 and E8018-C3?
- E8018-C3 deposits 80 ksi minimum tensile strength with a nickel-bearing composition for low-temperature toughness. E10018-D2 deposits 100 ksi minimum tensile with a Mn-Mo composition optimized for Q&T structural steel strength. Select E8018-C3 for 80 ksi applications requiring low-temperature CVN toughness (offshore, arctic); select E10018-D2 when the base metal or WPS requires 100 ksi minimum tensile filler metal.
Browse all low-alloy electrodes: Stick Welding Electrodes & Rods — or compare with Lincoln Excalibur 9018-B3 MR for Cr-Mo alloy steel applications.