E6010 vs E7018: 69% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
E6010 vs E7018
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
E6010
High-cellulose sodium coated SMAW electrode for pipeline welding. Produces a deep penetrating, high-force spray arc with fast-freeze characteristics and minimal slag. The standard electrode for root pass welding in pipeline construction (API 5L X42/X46). DCEP only. Tensile strength 60 ksi (414 MPa), yield 48 ksi (331 MPa). Impact toughness 27J at -30°C. Do NOT rebake — cellulose coating requires 3–7% moisture for proper operation. Also used for field erection, tank repair and welding on dirty/rusty steel.
E7018
The world's most widely used low-hydrogen SMAW (stick) welding electrode. Iron powder + calcium fluoride coating produces smooth, easy-to-control arc with minimal spatter and easy slag removal. Low hydrogen designation prevents hydrogen-induced cracking in structural joints. All-position welding (1 = flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead). AC or DCEP. Minimum 480 MPa tensile strength. Must be stored in heated ovens (250-300°F) to prevent moisture pickup. Used for structural steel, bridges, buildings, pressure vessels, and all code-compliant fabrication per AWS D1.1.
| E6010 | E7018 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Welding | Welding |
| Standard | AWS A5.1 | AWS A5.1 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | E6010 | E7018 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | ≤ 0.12% | ≤ 0.15% | OK |
| Si | ≤ 0.4% | ≤ 0.75% | OK |
| Mn | ≤ 0.6% | ≤ 1.6% | OK |
| P | ≤ 0.035% | ≤ 0.04% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | E6010 | E7018 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 414 | — | MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 331 | — | MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 22 | — | % |
Compatibility Assessment
E6010 and E7018 have moderate differences (69% overlap). They are generally not direct substitutes. Consider the specific requirements of your application.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E6010 the same as E7018?
E6010 and E7018 have a 69% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace E6010 with E7018?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (69% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between E6010 and E7018?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. E6010 is a Welding grade, while E7018 is a Welding grade.
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.