If you’re considering a career in welding, it’s more than likely that you’ll be using the 7018 welding rod for various welding purposes. The type of welding rod used for a project depends on the material being used and the requirements of the job at hand. Welders must consider factors such as corrosion resistance, tensile strength, polarity, weld position, and more. A common type of welding rod is a welding electrode, a coated metal wire composed of materials that are consistent with the metals being welded.
There are many different types of welding electrodes, which come in different levels of coating and different sizes. Here, we’ll take a look at the 7018 arc welding rod, an electrode commonly used by welders for a number of purposes.
An Introduction to the 7018 Welding Rod for Welding College Students
The 7018 welding rod is a consumable electrode rod, and is typically used for welding carbon steel. The iron-based flux compound coating this electrode is characterized by a low hydrogen content, setting the 7018 apart from other welding rods. The 7018’s minimal amount of hydrogen allows for a weld that is both tough and resistant to cracks–making it a great option for a number of projects. When welding, its flux compound vaporizes, keeping moisture, hydrogen and air from contaminating the weld bead.
As those with welding technician training will come to learn, the 7018’s numbers can be used to understand its function, as with any welding rod. In the 7018, the “70” dictates its tensile strength, which is equal to 70,000 lbs per square inch. The third digit, the“1,” denotes the welding positions that the 7018 can be used for. The number 1 means that the 7018 can be used for any welding position. The “8” signals the electrode’s coating type–the kinds of current which can be used, and its penetration. In the 7018, the “8” shows that it’s composed of a low-hydrogen flux compound, which allows for a medium-penetration weld compatible with AC, DCEP, and DC currents.
When Do Welders Use the 7018?
The 7018 has a wide range of applications, making it a popular choice among welders for a number of projects. Not only can it be used in any welding position and with a number of different currents, but it produces a relatively steady arc with a low quantity of splatter. The 7018 is used mostly for structural welding due to the strong and ductile weld it produces, and its versatility qualifies this rod for a number of different applications. In addition to structural projects such as high-rise buildings, dams, and bridges— which benefit from the high degree of strength characteristic of the welds created by the 7018—this electrode can also be used to weld pressure vessels, pipes, boilers, and other powerful equipment.
If You’re in Welding Technician Training, Here’s How to Use the 7018
When welding with the 7018 electrode, it’s important to follow a few requirements. First, welding students should make sure to use the correct welding amperage. The right amperage depends on the diameter of the rod in use, which is determined by the thickness of the steel being welded. When using a 7018 welding rod, the welding pro should keep in mind that the strength of these welds tends to make them solidify more rapidly. This welding rod is a consumable electrode–meaning it gets shorter throughout the welding process. Thus, welders should be careful to continuously keep a consistent distance between the electrode’s tip and the metal while concentrating heat at the joint of the weld. The 7018 should be dragged along the metal to ensure that the filler material is secure. With experience, welders will be able to feel when the weld is firmly fixed.
Learning how to use the 7018 takes some practice, relying upon the level of knowledge that can be gained from the right type of welding college program. The North American Trade Schools’ welding program allows students to gain the hands-on training necessary to become skilled experts in the industry. For Welding Graduate Emily Harrison, her “favourite thing about the campus was the knowledge of the teachers and how much practical work you were able to do. It was very helpful.”
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