Welding is essential in various industries, such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing. And when it comes to welding, choosing the right welding rod is critical, as it contributes to the strength and durability of the weld. This article will discuss the 8018 welding rod – a popular choice for welding heavy-duty steel structures.
What is an 8018 welding rod?
The 8018 welding rod is a low-hydrogen stick electrode, which means it has a coating containing low moisture. Its coating helps to produce high-quality welds with excellent tensile strength and durability. The 8018 electrodes are commonly used for welding high-strength steel structures such as bridges, pipelines, pressure vessels, and shipbuilding.
An 8018 welding rod is a type of filler metal used in shielded metal arc welding, also known as stick welding. It is made from alloys containing iron powder, manganese, and other materials such as graphite or silica. This alloy provides an exceptionally strong weld joint when coupled with proper technique. The 8018 welding rod has an exothermic reaction that produces high deposition rates at lower currents when compared to other rods in the same class, which is suitable for both out-of-position applications and thicker materials. The rod offers excellent flexibility, making it perfect for thin sheet metal or pipe walls. It also features low hydrogen content, which helps minimize cracking on cool down; this makes the 8018 ideal for projects requiring high-quality welds that need to withstand very tough environmental conditions such as vibration or fatigue.
Types of 8018 welding rods
The 8018 welding rods are an electrode type of arc welding rod used in many applications, primarily in the repair and fabrication of steel and other metal alloys. They can be grouped into four main categories: mild steel, low hydrogen, stainless steel, and cast iron rods. Mild-steel 8018 rods are most commonly used for general-purpose carbon steel applications such as repair work, structural fabrication, pipe welding repairs and maintenance projects. Low-hydrogen 8018 rods minimize porosity by using a flux coating which helps produce strong welds on low alloy or unalloyed steels that have been subject to hydrogen cracking. Stainless Steel 8018 electrodes produce a weld with low levels of ferrite content and are suitable for MIG/TIG brazing operations on austenitic stainless steels such as 304L or 316L alloy types. Lastly, Cast Iron 8018 electrodes have a high silicon content designed to create puddle control during the welding process and prevent shrinkage cracks from occurring in finished joints.
There are three types of 8018 welding rods: 8018-B2, 8018-B6, and 8018-C3. The 8018-B2 is used for welding low-alloy steels that contain molybdenum, while the 8018-B6 is used for welding high-strength steels that contain nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloys. The third type – 8018-C3, is used for welding high-strength steel structures exposed to low temperatures. It’s important to note that the type of 8018 welding rod used will depend on the specific steel composition, thickness, and welding application.
How to use 8018 welding rods
Before using the 8018 welding rod, you must prepare the surface by cleaning any rust, scale, or oil. Wear protective gear, including welding gloves, a helmet, and a welding jacket. To start welding, strike an arc, and maintain the correct arc length – about 3/32 inch or about 2.5mm. Move the welding rod slowly and steadily along the joint, keeping the arc length consistent. When welding a pass, chip off the slag by tapping it with a hammer. Do this until the weld is complete.
Benefits of using 8018 welding rods
The 8018 welding rod has various advantages over other types of welding rods. It offers excellent heat and impact resistance, making it suitable for welding high-stress structures. The low-hydrogen coating reduces the risk of cracking, porosity, and other defects. Additionally, the 8018 welding rod provides a smooth and clean finish, which improves the weld’s aesthetics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 8018 welding rods are an excellent choice for welding large structures that require high strength and durability. Depending on the application, the three types of 8018 welding rods offer versatility to weld low-alloy or high-alloy steels. By following the correct welding procedure, using the right protective gear, and ensuring the steel surface is clean, 8018 welding rods can help produce high-quality welds that meet industry standards
