S125632-035 - Hobart Hoballoy E9018-M Low Hydrogen Stick Electrode 3/32"

Technical Overview of Hobart Hoballoy 9018-M

The Hobart Hoballoy 9018-M is a premium low-hydrogen, iron-powder stick electrode designed specifically for the welding of higher strength steels. Classified under AWS A5.5 as E9018-M, this consumable is engineered to deliver weld deposits with tensile strengths in excess of 90,000 psi (620 MPa). It is particularly suited for joining quenched and tempered steels such as T-1, HY-80, and HY-90, which are commonly utilized in demanding industrial sectors including petrochemical, offshore fabrication, and heavy construction.

A critical feature of the Hoballoy 9018-M is its advanced coating formulation. The flux coating is designed to be highly resistant to moisture pick-up, a vital characteristic for preventing hydrogen-induced cracking (cold cracking) in high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels. By maintaining low diffusible hydrogen levels even after exposure to high humidity environments, this electrode ensures the integrity of the weldment in critical structural applications. The iron powder content in the coating assists in achieving higher deposition efficiencies compared to non-iron powder counterparts, while maintaining a smooth, stable arc.

Operable on both Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP) and Alternating Current (AC), the 3/32-inch diameter variant offers versatility in power source selection. The electrode exhibits excellent mechanical properties, including high impact toughness at lower temperatures, which is often a requirement for military and offshore specifications. The slag system is designed for easy removal, and the electrode provides good wetting action to minimize undercut. It is packaged in a 50-pound hermetically sealed can to preserve its low-hydrogen characteristics during storage and transport.