Lincoln Electric Excalibur 7018-1 Stick Electrode 14"

Product Overview

Lincoln Excalibur 7018-1 MR 3/32 in — What Is E7018-1?

Lincoln Excalibur 7018-1 MR (3/32 x 14 in) is an AWS A5.1/A5.1M E7018-1 H4R iron powder/low-hydrogen SMAW electrode with moisture-resistant coating for DC+ (DCEP) in all positions. The "-1" suffix in E7018-1 is an AWS A5.1 designation specifying enhanced notch toughness — a minimum of 20 ft·lbf Charpy V-notch at −50°F, compared to −20°F for standard E7018. This colder impact rating makes Excalibur 7018-1 MR the required electrode for bridges under AWS D1.5, fracture-critical applications, cold climate structures in northern regions, pressure vessels requiring toughness at sub-zero temperatures, and any application where AWS D1.1 or project specifications explicitly designate E7018-1 for low-temperature fracture toughness. The 3/32 in (2.4 mm) diameter provides precise control for root passes, thin plate, restricted-access joints, and all-position work requiring maximum hydrogen control and enhanced notch toughness simultaneously.

AWS Classification & Specifications

Best Applications for Lincoln Excalibur 7018-1 MR 3/32 in

• AWS D1.5 bridge welding (root pass): AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding Code mandates E7018-1 over standard E7018 for fracture-critical tension member welds. The 3/32 in diameter handles root pass applications in bridge girder CJP groove welds where access is restricted and precise root deposit control is required.

• Fracture-critical member (FCM) welding: Any bridge tension member classified as fracture-critical by the engineer of record — the enhanced −50°F Charpy toughness directly addresses the low-temperature brittle fracture risk in FCM applications

• Cold climate structural steel: Buildings, bridges, and infrastructure in Alaska, Canada, and northern US states where service temperatures below −20°F require E7018-1 rather than standard E7018 to prevent brittle fracture in seismically or impact-loaded connections

• Pressure vessels and piping with sub-zero impact requirements: ASME Section VIII pressure vessels with Charpy impact test requirements at −50°F and below — the -1 designation specifies the appropriate minimum impact energy at these temperatures

• Seismic applications (AWS D1.8): AWS D1.8 Seismic Structural Welding Code often specifies E7018-1 or equivalent for moment connections and other high-ductility-demand joints in seismic regions

• Root pass on high-toughness structural steel: For base metals such as A709 Grade 70W, A588, or A992 in fracture-critical or impact-loaded service, the 3/32 in 7018-1 provides the optimal root pass with required toughness at the smallest practical electrode diameter

How to Use Excalibur 7018-1 MR 3/32 in (Amperage, Polarity & Position)

• Amperage for 3/32 in: 55–90 A on DC+. Same range as Excalibur 7018 XMR 3/32 in. For root passes in bridge or fracture-critical applications, 65–75 A is typical. For vertical-up, 55–65 A. For flat and horizontal fill, 80–90 A.

• Polarity: DC+ (DCEP) only for fracture-critical applications. AC is technically permitted per E7018-1 designation but should not be used for bridge or FCM welding — DC+ ensures best hydrogen control and mechanical properties.

• Strict arc length discipline: The H4 designation requires a very short arc — no more than 1× rod diameter (about 3/32 in). On fracture-critical work, arc length discipline is a process control requirement, not just a technique preference. Any increase in arc length increases diffusible hydrogen and reduces the fracture toughness of the deposit.

• Minimum interpass temperature for cold weather: For E7018-1 applications in cold climates, preheat is often specified — particularly for ASTM A709 bridge steels. Follow the applicable code preheat table. Minimum interpass temperature maintains preheat through the weld sequence.

• Rod oven and storage: For bridge and FCM welding, all electrodes must be from sealed containers or holding ovens — in compliance with AWS D1.5 and D1.1 requirements for H4 electrodes. The MR (moisture-resistant) coating provides a safety margin, but code-compliant storage is not negotiable on fracture-critical applications.

Storage & Handling

• Store in sealed original packaging at ambient temperature before opening

• Once opened, store in a holding oven at 250–300°F (121–149°C) — required for all code structural applications

• Moisture-resistant (MR) coating extends out-of-oven exposure limits vs. standard E7018-1 without MR designation

• Redry at 500–800°F (260–427°C) for 1–2 hours if moisture exposure is suspected

• Label and segregate E7018-1 from standard E7018 — incorrect electrode use on fracture-critical work is a serious nonconformance

Compatible Base Metals & Joint Types

• Structural steels for fracture-critical service: A709 Grades 36, 50, 50W, 70W; A36; A572; A588 weathering steel (bridge applications); A992 (wide flange shapes)

• Pressure vessel steels requiring sub-zero impact testing: A516 with low-temperature impact requirements; A537 Class 1; A633

• Joint types: Root and fill passes in CJP groove welds on fracture-critical bridge members; all position fillet and groove welds per AWS D1.1 and D1.5 with H4 electrode qualification

Frequently Asked Questions — Lincoln Excalibur 7018-1 MR 3/32

What is E7018-1 welding rod?

E7018-1 is an AWS A5.1/A5.1M classification specifying 70 ksi minimum tensile strength, iron powder/low-hydrogen coating, all-position capability, AND enhanced notch toughness — minimum 20 ft·lbf Charpy at −50°F. The "-1" suffix distinguishes this from standard E7018 (which meets 20 ft·lbf only at −20°F). Lincoln Excalibur 7018-1 MR adds moisture-resistant (MR) coating to this specification for field and bridge welding applications.

What is the difference between E7018 and E7018-1?

Both E7018 and E7018-1 produce 70 ksi minimum tensile strength and use low-hydrogen iron powder coatings. The single critical difference: E7018-1 is required to provide 20 ft·lbf Charpy V-notch impact at −50°F; standard E7018 meets this requirement only at −20°F. For bridge fracture-critical members (AWS D1.5), cold climate structures, and applications specifying sub-zero toughness, E7018-1 is the correct selection. For standard structural carbon steel work not requiring sub-zero toughness, either E7018 or E7018-1 is acceptable.

When is E7018-1 required vs E7018?

E7018-1 is required when: (1) AWS D1.5 bridge welding code applies and fracture-critical member classification is involved; (2) the WPS or engineering specification explicitly designates E7018-1; (3) the service temperature requires −50°F notch toughness. It is also used when AWS D1.8 seismic code specifies E7018-1 or equivalent. For standard structural steel work per AWS D1.1 without special toughness requirements, E7018 is acceptable.

What is the amperage for 3/32 inch E7018-1?

For 3/32 in (2.4 mm) E7018-1 MR, the typical amperage range is 55–90 A. Use 55–65 A for overhead and vertical positions; 65–75 A for general all-position work; 80–90 A for flat or horizontal fill passes on structural steel. This is the same range as 3/32 in E7018 and E7018 XMR — diameter determines the amperage range, not the -1 toughness designation.

Can E7018-1 MR be used on AWS D1.1 general structural work?

Yes — E7018-1 is an acceptable substitute for E7018 on all AWS D1.1 structural work. The enhanced toughness of -1 designation exceeds the D1.1 minimum requirements. There is no penalty for using E7018-1 on applications that only require E7018 — the higher toughness is simply overspecified but not harmful. Many fabricators standardize on E7018-1 to simplify electrode inventory.

Does the 3/32 diameter affect the -1 toughness performance?

No — electrode diameter does not affect the AWS A5.1 mechanical property classification, including Charpy toughness. A 3/32 in E7018-1 H4R meets the same −50°F Charpy requirement as a 1/8 in, 5/32 in, or 3/16 in E7018-1. Diameter only affects the operating current range, deposition rate, and accessibility in joint configurations.

Is Lincoln 7018-1 MR approved for bridge welding?

Lincoln Excalibur 7018-1 MR meets AWS A5.1/A5.1M E7018-1 H4R classification requirements, which qualifies it for use in AWS D1.5 bridge welding applications where E7018-1 H4 electrodes are specified. For specific project applications, confirm that the electrode is qualified under the project's welding procedure specification (WPS) and that the welder is qualified per AWS D1.5 requirements.

Browse all stick electrodes: Stick Welding Electrodes & Rods — compare with Excalibur 7018 XMR 3/32 for standard E7018 H4R performance at the same diameter, or Excalibur 7018 MR 1/8 in for standard structural work at the most common SMAW diameter.

Ordering Lincoln Excalibur 7018-1 MR from WeldingMart

Lincoln Excalibur 7018-1 MR welding rods ship from WeldingMart — this product is in stock and available to add to your cart. Place your order online and in-stock items ship same day. Create a WeldingMart account to track order status, manage your product history, and reorder Lincoln Excalibur electrodes quickly for production and project needs. The 7018-1 MR meets the -60°F impact requirements for cold-weather structural applications — confirm this product is the correct grade for your application before adding to cart. For volume orders or project procurement of this Lincoln Electric product, contact WeldingMart to confirm current stock levels and delivery lead times.

Technical Reference & Welding Standards

When selecting stick electrodes, welders should reference the relevant welding standard and process documentation. Key technical considerations include time, read, email, 5 32, 3 32, improve, 1 8, need. Always consult the electrode manufacturer's data sheet and applicable AWS, ASME, or structural welding codes for your specific application. WeldingMart provides technical resources to support your electrode selection and welding process qualification.

Technical Reference & Welding Standards

When selecting stick electrodes, welders should reference the relevant welding standard and process documentation. Key technical considerations include time, read, email, 5 32, 3 32, improve, 1 8, need. Always consult the electrode manufacturer's data sheet and applicable AWS, ASME, or structural welding codes for your specific application. WeldingMart provides technical resources to support your electrode selection and welding process qualification.