S422058-035 - Hobart 7018 XLM 3/16" Low Hydrogen Stick Electrodes, 50lb Can

Technical Overview of Hobart 7018 XLM Electrodes

The Hobart 7018 XLM (Extra Low Moisture) is a premium quality, iron powder, low hydrogen electrode designed to meet the rigorous demands of critical structural welding. Engineered with a specialized coating formulation, this electrode resists moisture pick-up in high-humidity environments, thereby significantly mitigating the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking (cold cracking) in the heat-affected zone of the weldment. This characteristic makes the XLM variant particularly suitable for welding low-alloy structural steels, offshore rigs, and pressure vessels where weld integrity is paramount.

Classified under AWS A5.1 as E7018, this electrode features a 3/16-inch diameter, making it suitable for heavy plate fabrication and multi-pass welding applications. The addition of iron powder to the coating enhances the deposition rate, allowing for higher travel speeds and increased productivity compared to non-iron powder electrodes. The mechanical properties of the weld deposit meet or exceed industry standards for 70,000 psi tensile strength applications, ensuring robust structural performance.

The Hobart 7018 XLM is versatile in its power source compatibility, operating efficiently on both Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP) and Alternating Current (AC). This flexibility allows fabrication shops to utilize existing power sources without compromising weld quality. The electrode is packaged in a 50-pound hermetically sealed can, which preserves the low-moisture characteristics during storage and transport. Once opened, standard low-hydrogen storage practices (holding ovens) should be observed to maintain the H4 or H8 diffusible hydrogen designation often associated with XLM products.

In terms of operability, the electrode provides a stable arc with excellent directional control, facilitating high-quality welds in all positions, including flat, horizontal, vertical-up, and overhead. The slag system is designed for easy detachment, often self-peeling, which reduces the risk of slag inclusions in multi-pass welds and minimizes inter-pass cleaning time.