ESAB 7018-1 Prime is a top-notch electrode offering a high deposition rate and extremely low moisture absorption. It gives excellent control of the welding pool, minimal spatter, good arc strike, and easy slag removal. This makes it a breeze to weld, even in out-of-position situations. It's especially great for welding high strength low-alloy steels, and the low-temperature impact strength of the weld metal is worth noting. Controlling moisture re-absorption in low hydrogen electrodes to prevent hydrogen induced cracking in thick structural steels or porosity in stainless or nickel-base weld metal can be costly. In demanding applications like offshore fabrication, costs related to climate-controlled storage and handling often exceed the cost of the consumables. With ESAB 7018-1 Prime VacPac vacuum packaging, these costs are eliminated. The benefits include a truly 100% hermetically-sealed package, no need for re-baking, holding ovens, or quivers. It allows for safe welding after opening, saves costs through simplified storage and handling, reduces the risk of hydrogen cracking or porosity, is easier for welders to carry, and comes in shift-based pack sizes. Typical tensile properties include 28% elongation, 85.6 ksi tensile strength, and 72.5 ksi yield strength in the as-welded condition. Typical Charpy V-Notch properties show impact values of 77.4 ft/lb at -49°F and 73.7 ft/lb at -58°F in the as-welded condition. It has approvals from ABS, 3Y H5, SB, BV, CWB, DNV-GL and more, and classifications like SFA/AWS A5.1, E7018-1H4 R. The alloy type is Carbon Manganese, coating type is Imperial_Basic Covering, diffusible hydrogen is < 4.0 ml/100g, and welding current can be AC or DC+.
Using these electrodes is simple. First, make sure your welding equipment is set up correctly for AC or DC+ current as specified. When starting the weld, you'll notice the good arc strike. The electrode offers excellent control of the welding pool, so you can create smooth and clean welds. It's great for different positions, but take your time to get the hang of it if you're new to out-of-position welding. After opening the VacPac package, you can start welding safely without any extra steps like re-baking. Just store the unused electrodes in a dry place. The package is hermetically sealed, so it keeps the electrodes in good condition. Remember, this electrode is especially good for high strength low-alloy steels. Check the temperature impact strength of the weld metal, especially if you're working in low-temperature environments. Regularly clean your welding equipment to ensure the best performance. If you have any questions or face issues, consult the spec sheet or reach out to the manufacturer.
