7014 vs 7018 welding rod

When it comes to welding mild steel or low to medium carbon steel, two of the most popular electrodes that come to mind are E7014 and E7018.

Both of these electrodes are for stick welding or shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). However, there are some key differences between these two rods that make them better suited for certain applications & give them special features.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the similarities and differences between E7014 and E7018 welding rods, and help you to determine which one is the best choice for your specific welding need.

7014 vs 7018 Specification

E7014 and E7018 welding rods are both types of shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) electrodes, which are used for welding low carbon steel. Both of these electrodes are covered by the AWS A5.1 specification, which covers carbon steel electrodes for shielded metal arc welding.

Read more: Different versions of E7018 Welding Rod:

E7018 Welding Rod.

7014 vs 7018 Chemical Compositions

Both E7014 and 7018 has similar chemical compositions except that 7018 has a higher Manganese content of 1.60% but a lower silicon content of 0.75% compared to 7014 (Manganese-1.25% & Silicon-0.90%).

Complete chemical compositions comparison of 7014 and 7018 welding rod are given in the below table as required by AWS A5.1 specification.

Chemical Element	E7014 Composition (%)	E7018 Composition (%)
Carbon (C)	0.15 max	0.15 max
Silicon (Si)	0.90 max	0.75 max
Manganese (Mn)	1.25 max	1.60 max
Sulfur (S)	0.035 max	0.035 max
Phosphorus (P)	0.035 max	0.035 max
Nickel (Ni)	0.30 max	0.30 max
Chromium (Cr)	0.20 max	0.20 max
Molybdenum (Mo)	0.30 max	0.30 max
Vanadium (V)	0.08 max	0.08 max
Total of Mn+Ni+Cr+Mo+V	1.50 max	1.75 max

7014 vs 7018 Tensile Strength & Mechanical Properties Comparison

both E7014 and E7018 welding rods have similar tensile and yield strength. However, E7018 has a higher elongation of minimum 22% compared to E7014 which has a minimum elongation of 17%.

While 7018 welding rod has a weld toughness requirement of 15 ft·lbf at –20°F (20 J at –30°C), toughness requirements for E7014 welding rod are not specified in the AWS A5.1 specification.

Property	E7014 Value	E7018 Value
Tensile Strength	70 Ksi (490 MPa) min	70 Ksi (490 MPa) min
Yield Strength	58 Ksi (400 MPa) min	58 Ksi (400 MPa) min
Elongation	17% min	22% min
Toughness	Not specified	15 ft·lbf at –20°F (20 J at –30°C),

7014 vs 7018 Polarity

E7014 and E7018 welding rods have different polarity. E7014 electrode is typically used in the DC+ (Direct Current Electrode Positive), DC- (Direct Current Electrode Negative), & AC polarity. On the other hand, E7018 electrode is typically used in the DCEP (Direct Current Electrode Positive) & AC polarity only.

In summary, E7014 can be used with all welding polarity while 7018 is used only with DCEP and AC polarity.

7014 vs 7018 Coating difference

E7014 and E7018 welding rods have different coatings.
E7014 electrode coating is made of titania with added iron powder.

E7018 welding rod coating is made of low hydrogen potassium with added iron powder.

7014 vs 7018 Welding Positions

E7014 and E7018 welding rods can be used for welding in all positions, but they are known to perform better in certain positions. The third digit “1” in both rods mean that they can be used with all position welding applications for pipe, plate or any other material form.

7014 vs 7018 Slag Characteristics

E7014 electrode is known for its good bead appearance and easy slag removal. The slag created by E7014 is easily removed by using a chipping hammer or wire brush. This electrode is typically used for welding in all positions and for creating a good bead appearance.

**Table 6, E7018 vs. E7014 Welding Rod**
Rod Characteristics	E7018	E7014
AWS Specification	AWS A5.1	AWS A5.1
Classification	E7018	E7014
Coating types	Low hydrogen Potassium with added Iron Powder	Iron Powder titania
Tensile & Yield Strength (Ksi)	70 & 58	70 & 58
Polarity	AC, DCEP	AC, DCEN & DCEP
Welding Position	All	All
Weld penetration	Medium	Low to Medium
Slag	Thick slag	Medium, very easily removable slag
Arc features	Smooth arc	smooth, quiet arc
Application	Fillet, fill & cap passes	high deposition applications

7014 vs 7018 Applications

E7014 electrode is typically used for welding in all positions and for creating a good bead appearance and easy slag removal.

The main applications of E7014 welding electrode are:

Construction, shipbuilding, and maintenance and repair work.
Welding low carbon steel.

Repair and maintenance of equipment.
Construction of new equipment.

E7018 electrode is typically used for welding in all positions, and for high strength and deep penetration. It is commonly used for welding low carbon steel and for applications such as structural steel fabrication, pressure vessels, and heavy equipment repair.

E7018 is also used in the fabrication of bridges, buildings, and other structures that require deep penetration and high strength. E7018 welding rod is known for its deep penetration and high strength, which makes it well-suited for the following applications:

Welding in flat and horizontal positions.
Structural steel fabrication.

Pressure vessels.
Heavy equipment repair.
Fabrication of bridges, buildings, and other structures that require deep penetration and high strength.

Welding low carbon steel.
All position welding.

E7014 Welding Rod

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FAQS

What is the main difference between E7014 and E7018 welding rods?

The main difference between E7014 and E7018 electrode is the coating type. 7018 rod has basic coating and good for impact applications, while 7014 is not.

What are the applications of E7014 and E7018 welding rods?

E7014 is best suited for welding in vertical and overhead positions, construction, shipbuilding, and maintenance and repair work, while E7018 is best suited for welding in flat and horizontal positions, structural steel fabrication, pressure vessels, and heavy equipment repair.