When it comes to welding steel, choosing the right welding rod can make all the difference between a successful and a failed weld. With so many options available in the market, selecting the right rod can be overwhelming, especially for those who are new to welding. In this blog, we’ll compare two popular welding rods, 7018 and 7024, and help you decide which one is best for your steel fabrication needs.
What are 7018 and 7024 Welding Rods?
7024 and 7018 welding rods are both shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) rods, also known as “stick” electrodes. They are designed to provide a consistent arc and weld quality, making them popular choices among welders and fabricators. Both rods are available in various sizes and shapes, but the most common ones are:
7018: A low-hydrogen electrode with a medium-temperature range (5,000°F to 6,000°F) and a medium-arc stability. It is commonly used for welding structural steel, pipe, and heavy equipment.
7024: A high-hydrogen electrode with a high-temperature range (6,000°F to 7,000°F) and a high-arc stability. It is often used for welding thick plate, pipe, and heavy machinery.
Key Differences
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s highlight the key differences between 7018 and 7024 welding rods:
Hydrogen Content: 7018 has a lower hydrogen content compared to 7024. This means that 7018 produces less porosity and shrinkage in the weld metal.
Temperature Range: 7024 has a higher temperature range than 7018, making it more suitable for welding thick or high-strength steel.
Arc Stability: 7024 has a more stable arc than 7018, which means it is less prone to variations in voltage and current.
Comparison of Welding Characteristics
Here’s a comparison of the welding characteristics of 7018 and 7024 rods:
Weld Penetration: Both rods provide good weld penetration, but 7024 has a slightly deeper penetration due to its higher temperature range.
Weld Profile: 7018 produces a more rounded weld profile with a slightly narrower bead width. 7024 produces a wider bead with a more defined weld pool.
Weld Strength: Both rods provide similar weld strength, but 7024 is more suitable for welding high-strength steel due to its higher temperature range.
Porosity: As mentioned earlier, 7018 has a lower hydrogen content than 7024, which means it produces less porosity in the weld metal.
Applications
When deciding which rod to use, consider the specific application you’re working on. Here are some general guidelines:
Structural Steel: For general-purpose welding of structural steel, such as beams and columns, 7018 is a good choice.
Heavy Equipment: For welding heavy equipment such as cranes and machinery, 7024 is more suitable due to its higher temperature range and stability.
Pipe Welding: For welding pipe, both rods can be used, but 7018 is more commonly used for smaller pipes while 7024 is used for larger pipes.
Factors While Choosing Between 7018 And 7024
When choosing between 7018 and 7024 welding rods, consider the following factors:
Hydrogen content: If you’re concerned about porosity in your weld metal, choose a rod with lower hydrogen content like 7018.
Temperature range: If you’re working on high-strength steel or thick plate welding, choose a rod with a higher temperature range like 7024.
Arc stability: If you’re looking for a more stable arc with less variation in voltage and current, choose a rod like 7024.
By considering these factors and understanding the differences between these two popular welding rods, you can make an informed decision that meets your specific needs for your steel fabrication project.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both 7018 and 7024 welding rods have their own strengths and weaknesses. While they share similar characteristics, the choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific application needs.
If you’re working on general-purpose welding of structural steel or small pipes, 7018 is a good choice due to its lower hydrogen content and medium-temperature range. However, if you’re working on heavy equipment or thick plate welding, 7024’s higher temperature range and stability make it a better option.
Remember to always follow proper safety guidelines and best practices when welding with either rod. Additionally, consult with your local supplier or manufacturer for specific recommendations on which rod to use for your specific project.
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