MK10018D200125OE00 - Hobart Hoballoy 10018-D2 1/8" Stick Electrode 50lb

Technical Overview of Hobart Hoballoy 10018-D2

The Hobart Hoballoy 10018-D2 is a premium quality, low-hydrogen, iron-powder electrode designed for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) of high-tensile steels. Classified under AWS A5.5 as E10018-D2-H4R, this electrode is engineered to produce weld deposits with a minimum tensile strength of 100,000 psi. The core wire and coating formulation introduce a specific Manganese-Molybdenum (Mn-Mo) alloy system, which provides the necessary mechanical properties to match high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) base materials often found in critical industrial applications.

One of the defining technical characteristics of the Hoballoy 10018-D2 is its H4R designation. This indicates that the electrode coating is moisture-resistant and designed to deposit less than 4ml of diffusible hydrogen per 100g of weld metal. This low-hydrogen characteristic is critical when welding thick sections, restrained joints, or materials susceptible to hydrogen-induced cracking (cold cracking). The electrode operates effectively on both Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP) and Alternating Current (AC), offering versatility in power source selection. The iron powder content in the coating assists in higher deposition rates compared to non-iron powder electrodes, improving travel speeds and overall productivity.

The weld metal chemistry is tightly controlled to ensure consistent radiographic quality (X-ray quality) and excellent notch toughness, even at sub-zero temperatures (typically down to -60°F). This makes the Hoballoy 10018-D2 particularly suitable for fabrication involving ASTM A302, A148, and similar high-strength grades used in pressure vessels, petrochemical piping, and heavy structural components. The 1/8-inch diameter is a versatile size, allowing for positional welding including flat, horizontal, vertical-up, and overhead, provided the amperage is adjusted within the recommended range (typically 90-160 Amps).

Storage and handling are paramount for maintaining the H4R status. The 50lb hermetically sealed can ensures the electrodes remain dry during transit and storage. Once opened, it is recommended to store these electrodes in a rod oven at 250°F-300°F to prevent moisture pickup from the atmosphere, which could compromise the low-hydrogen properties and lead to porosity or cracking in the final weldment.