S125681-035 - Hobart Hoballoy E9018-M Low Alloy Stick Electrode 1/4" 50lb

Technical Specification: Hobart Hoballoy 9018-M

The Hobart Hoballoy 9018-M is a premium quality, low hydrogen, iron powder electrode designed to meet the rigorous requirements of the AWS A5.5 specification for low-alloy steel electrodes. Classified as E9018-M, this consumable is engineered to provide a minimum tensile strength of 90,000 psi (620 MPa), making it suitable for welding high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels used in critical structural and military applications. The "M" designator indicates that the electrode meets specific military-grade mechanical property and moisture resistance requirements, ensuring reliability in demanding environments.

This 1/4-inch (6.4mm) diameter variant is specifically sized for high-deposition welding in the flat and horizontal positions. The heavy coating contains iron powder, which significantly increases deposition efficiency compared to standard non-iron-powder electrodes, allowing for faster joint filling on thick sections. The electrode operates on Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP), providing deep penetration and a stable arc. The chemical composition is carefully controlled, typically featuring Manganese, Nickel, and Molybdenum as principal alloying elements to achieve the required strength and toughness.

One of the critical features of the Hoballoy 9018-M is its moisture-resistant coating (H4R designation), which maintains diffusible hydrogen levels below 4.0 ml per 100g of weld metal. This low hydrogen content is essential for preventing hydrogen-induced cracking (cold cracking) in high-strength steels, particularly in restrained joints or thick sections. The electrode delivers X-ray quality welds with excellent Charpy V-Notch impact toughness at sub-zero temperatures, ensuring ductile behavior under stress. It is packaged in a hermetically sealed 50-pound can to preserve the low-hydrogen characteristics during storage and transport.