Welding Electrodes Buying Guide: E6013 vs E7018 vs E6010 — How to Specify Coated Electrodes for Steel Fabrication
Welding electrodes — the flux-coated rods that make up the biggest single-consumable line on most steel fab sites — are specified by classification code, and each position in that code carries information: tensile strength, welding position, coating type, and current polarity. Buy E6013 for a root pass on pipeline work and the weld lacks penetration; buy E6010 for a cosmetic fillet on sheet metal and you burn through. Matching electrode to joint and position is the whole job.
This guide decodes the AWS classification, compares the common electrodes, covers storage and re-drying, and gives a complete RFQ checklist.
Reading the Classification (E6013, E7018, E6010)
| Code position | Meaning |
|---|---|
| E | Electrode |
| 60 / 70 / 80 | Minimum tensile strength in ksi (60 = 60,000 psi / 420 MPa) |
| Third digit | Welding positions: 1 = all positions, 2 = flat and horizontal only |
| Fourth digit | Coating + current: 3 = rutile, AC/DC; 5 = low-hydrogen, DC+; 8 = low-hydrogen, AC/DC; 0 = cellulosic, DC+ |
Common Electrode Comparison
| Electrode | Coating | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| E6013 | Rutile | Easy arc, smooth bead, light penetration | Sheet metal, thin sections, general repair, cosmetic welds |
| E7018 | Low-hydrogen iron powder | Strong, ductile, low hydrogen, easy restart | Structural steel, high-strength joints — the default for critical work |
| E6010 / E6011 | Cellulosic | Deep penetration, forceful arc, all positions | Pipeline root passes, dirty/rusty steel, vertical-down |
| E7024 | Rutile iron powder | Very high deposition rate | Flat/horizontal fillets, production welding only |
Low-Hydrogen Rules (E7018)
- Hydrogen causes cracking in high-strength and thick-section welds — that is why E7018 exists.
- Store opened electrodes in a heated quiver at 100–150°C; exposed rods absorb moisture within hours.
- Re-dry at 300–350°C for 1–2 hours if the coating has picked up moisture — do not exceed the maker’s limit.
- Use DC+ or AC per the classification; E7018 will not run on DC−.
Standards Buyers Quote
- AWS A5.1: carbon steel covered electrodes — classification, chemistry, and mechanical properties.
- EN ISO 2560: European equivalent — e.g., E 42 3 B 42 H10 maps to an E7018-family rod.
- AS/NZS 4855 / JIS Z3212: regional equivalents — always confirm the classification system on the PO.
- Certificates: ask for lot certificates with chemistry, tensile, and impact values plus a re-drying instruction sheet.
Sizes and Packing
- Diameter: 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.0 mm, 5.0 mm — 2.5 and 3.2 cover most site work.
- Length: 300 mm and 350 mm standard; 450 mm for heavy deposition.
- Packing: 5 kg vacuum polybags inside 20–25 kg cartons, or hermetically sealed tins for E7018.
- Vacuum packing matters for export: a container crossing the equator will ruin unprotected low-hydrogen electrodes.
RFQ Checklist
- Classification: E6013 / E7018 / E6010 / E7024 (+ EN ISO equivalent if required)
- Diameter, length, quantity in kg
- Packing: 5 kg vacuum bag / 20 kg carton / sealed tin
- Certificates: lot chem + mechanical + re-drying instructions
- Destination / Incoterm
FAQ
E6013 or E7018? E6013 for easy general work and thin metal; E7018 for structural and high-strength joints where cracking risk must be low.
Why did my welds crack? Moisture in the electrode coating, wrong current, or fast cooling on thick sections — use E7018 stored in a heated quiver.
Can I use one electrode for everything? No — penetration and position capability differ. Carry E6013 for light work and E7018 for structural work as a minimum.
Why Source Welding Electrodes from Yihang Metal
Yihang Metal supplies AWS A5.1 and EN ISO 2560 carbon steel electrodes in E6013, E7018, E6010/E6011, and E7024, from 2.5 to 5.0 mm, in 5 kg vacuum bags, 20 kg cartons, and hermetically sealed tins for low-hydrogen grades, with lot certificates and re-drying instructions in every carton. Full container loads typically ship in 20–30 days.
Ready to specify your electrodes? Send us the classification, diameters, quantity, and packing requirement, and we will confirm mill availability and lead time with a fixed-price quote and lot certificates. Email [email protected] or use the quote form on this page — our team replies within one business day.