How to use 7018 Welding Rods

7018 has a low hydrogen coating and is moisture sensitive. It is very important to keep 7018 in the original sealed container until you are ready to use it. Once opened, storage in a “rod oven” at 250-300 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended to keep moisture from infiltrating the coating. If 7018 becomes too moist, it may be reconditioned in a rod oven between 500 and 800 degrees Fahrenheit for one to two hours. Care should also be used in the handling of 7018 containers and dropping or bouncing can lead to the coating breaking and chipping off.

Specialty Welding Rods:

7018 welding rod should be used according to the applicable welding codes and engineering specifications. In most general cases if not welding to code, standard 7018 is fine. There are some applications that call for special versions of 7018 and they include:

AC - Where DC welding current is not available or situations when magnetized steel may lead to “arc-blow”, 7018 welding rods specifically designed to run on AC are a benefit such as Hobart 18AC

Pressure Vessel - Pressure Vessel applications will benefit from 7018 welding rod that is coated with a higher molybdenum content to prevent moisture re-absorption and hydrogen cracking. An example of this welding rod is Hobart 7018A1

Moisture Resistant - Experienced welders know the importance of keeping their 7018 dry but certain applications, such as high humidity environments, make this chore difficult. In this case, use moisture resistant 7018 welding rod such as Hobart 7018MC