Welding rods are used to join two or more base metals thus filling the gap and making the bond stronger. When it comes to arc welding, the most commonly known welding rods are 7014 and 7018. Therefore, it is very essential to know the comparison of 7014 vs 7018. Although, they both have minor differences still some welders often face difficulty in choosing the best one for their welding projects.
In a world of arc welding, there exists a vast range of electrodes. These electrodes are differentiated based on their different properties. Hence, each electrode possesses its unique characteristics and is designed for a particular purpose.
The selection of an appropriate electrode is very crucial, as using the wrong one can deteriorate your entire welding project. Therefore, the beginners who have recently stepped into this field often find this hard to decide, whether to invest their money and time on a particular electrode or not.
So, review this article if you are a beginner or an amateur and if you are facing a hard time choosing 7014 vs 7018 welding rods. This article will help you in choosing between these two based on their unique properties.
However, before we proceed further, you must know the basics for selecting an electrode. One should know how to read the electrodes coding which was proposed by the American Welding Society.
This coding classification system is based on various factors like tensile strength, type of current, welding position, flux coating, etc. Hence, for detailed information about different electrodes and their classification; click here
7014 vs 7018
To be honest, it is a bit difficult to differentiate between these two welding rods because they almost have the same features. Both 7014 and 7018 welding rods have the same tensile strength, arc characteristics, drag motion, and welding positions. So, what makes these rods different from each other? To get to know this, follow this article.
7014 and 7018 Common Features:
Tensile Strength:
Both of these 7014 and 7018 welding rods will offer the same tensile strength. You will find it easier to identify their tensile strength if you’re familiar with the AWS electrodes coding classification. Since it is shown by their initial first two digits i.e. “70”; both rods will provide 70,000 PSI tensile strength on the final weld
Welding Position:
Welding position is an important factor that needs to be taken into account during the selection of electrodes. Because, not all electrodes can be used in all positions, some allow the welding only in one or two positions.
Since the third digit of both 7014 and 7018 welding rods is “1” it indicates both can be used in any position except vertical downhill. Here, digit “1” indicates that the rod can be used in all positions whether flat, horizontal, vertical, Overhead, etc.
Arc Characteristics:
The selection of electrodes also depends upon the types of the arc produced. Arc characteristics of 7014 and 7018 welding rods are almost the same. Since they both generate a quiet smooth arc with minimal spatter.
Amperage Range:
Amperage also matters a lot at the time of selecting electrodes. While using DCEN, it is better to use a 7014 welding rod within a low current range of 100-145, depending upon the diameter of the electrode being used. However, if you are using AC; the amperage range should be between 110-160 for a 1/8″ diameter electrode. The amperage range will be similar for 7018 rods.
7014 and 7018 Distinguish Features:
Flux Coating:
The only structural difference that distinguishes 7014 and 7018 from each other is their flux coating. As the fourth digit of any electrode indicates their coating and type of current, here “4” indicates “titanium iron powder” and “8” indicates “low hydrogen iron powder”
7014 rod has a coating of titanium iron powder whereas 7018 rods have iron powder low hydrogen coating. For this reason, 7018 rods are best to use for high carbon steel.
Storage Conditions:
One of the key differences that distinguish both of these electrodes is their different storage conditions.
7018 welding rod contains low hydrogen coating thus, making it difficult to store in moist and humid conditions. Moist and humid conditions will damage their low hydrogen coating. Due to this characteristic, it is kept in the oven before use. Therefore, 7018 is a bit complicated rod to be used. Extreme care is required to store this welding rod.
However, 7014 welding rods contain titanium coating making them suitable to store in moist and damp conditions. Moisture will not damage the coating of these electrodes. So, when it comes to storage conditions, 7014 is way easier to handle than 7018.
Fast Freezing:
As mentioned above, 7014 is a fill-freeze iron powder-coated welding rod. It will not allow the penetration to the same extent as 7018 when used on DC. However, 7018 has a fast freezing potential as compared to 7014 welding rod. Therefore, 7018 rods offer an additional advantage to the welders to work in an awkward position.
Metals Usability:
7014 welding rods are ideal to be used on low-alloy and carbon steel. Thus, these welding rods are useful for projects that require a high deposition rate.
On the other hand, 7018 rods are specifically designed to weld steel that contains high carbon. 7018 welding rods can be used on high carbon, carbon steel, low alloy, or high-strength steel metals. 7014 rods are useful for projects that require a high deposition rate.
Applications:
7014 rods are most commonly used in smaller projects and household welding. Since 7014 rods can be easily stored in moist and damp conditions; it is quite popular among home welders. They find them easy to handle and use. In addition, they are most commonly used by beginners.
However, 7018 welding rods are most commonly used by professionals. These rods have fewer chances to cause cracks and have high tensile strength. Therefore, used for larger construction projects such as bridges, buildings, energy power plants, factories, powerhouses, etc.
| Electrodes | 7014 | 7018 |
|---|---|---|
| Flux Coating | Titanium Iron Powder | Low Hydrogen Potassium, Iron Powder |
| Tensile Strength | 70,000 PSI | 70,000 PSI |
| Welding Position | F, V, H, OH | F, V, H, OH |
| Welding Current | AC, DC+, DC- | AC, DC+ |
| Arc Characteristics | Smooth arc | Smooth arc |
| Penetration | Medium | Medium |
| Slag Type | Thick | Thick, Fluid |
| Motion | Drag motion | Drag motion |
Welding positions: H= Horizontal, F=Flat, V=Vertical, OH= Overhead
Conclusion
To conclude, although both of these electrodes have minor structural differences, these minor differences are of great importance. One should be familiar with these differences to attain a better welding outcome. If you are a beginner, I would suggest you go with the 7014 welding rod as it is easy to use and store as compared to the 7018 welding rod which is a bit sophisticated to use.
I hope this article will help you in your decision-making task. Moreover, to get some more information regarding the selection of appropriate electrodes; check out the following link:
A lot of questions arise in your mind while choosing between 7014 and 7018 welding rods. Due to slight differences between these two rods, you may often get confused. So, now I will answer the most frequently asked question related to 7014 vs 7018.
What is the main difference between 7014 and 7018 welding rods?
Well, both 7014 and 7018 have quite familiar features but they do have some distinguished properties. The major difference lies in their flux coating, both have different coatings. Moreover, another distinguishing feature is their storage conditions; both are stored in different conditions.
How do storage conditions for 7014 and 7018 welding rods differ?
7018 rods due to their compositions cannot be stored in moist and damp conditions. Hence, to store them, special storage facilities are required. They may need to be kept in the oven before use. On the other hand, 7014 rods are user-friendly and can be stored in moist conditions.
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