S125344-033 - Hobart Hoballoy 8018C3 1/8" Stick Electrode, 10lb Can

High-Performance Low Alloy Stick Electrode

The Hobart Hoballoy 8018C3 is a premium-grade shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) electrode designed to meet the rigorous demands of industries requiring high tensile strength and superior toughness. Engineered with a nominal 1% nickel content, this electrode is classified under AWS A5.5 as E8018-C3 H4. It is specifically formulated to deliver a minimum tensile strength of 80,000 psi, making it an essential consumable for welding low-alloy steels where structural integrity is paramount. The addition of nickel significantly enhances the weld metal's notch toughness, providing reliable impact properties of 20 ft.lbs. at extremely low temperatures down to -40°F. This makes the Hoballoy 8018C3 particularly suitable for applications in cold environments or where the base metal is subject to dynamic loading.

One of the critical technical advantages of this electrode is its advanced coating formulation. Industrial environments, such as shipyards and offshore platforms, often present conditions of high heat and humidity which can compromise standard low-hydrogen electrodes. The Hoballoy 8018C3 coating is designed to resist moisture absorption, thereby maintaining its H4 diffusible hydrogen designation. This resistance is crucial for preventing hydrogen-induced cracking (cold cracking) in the heat-affected zone of high-strength steels. The electrode is packaged in a 10 lb (4.5 kg) hermetically sealed can, ensuring that the factory-controlled moisture content is preserved until the moment of use, reducing the immediate need for holding ovens upon opening.

The electrode is versatile in its application, capable of operating on both Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP) and Alternating Current (AC). This flexibility allows fabrication shops and field crews to utilize various power sources without compromising weld quality. It is approved for use in all welding positions—flat, horizontal, vertical up, and overhead—facilitating complex positional welding often found in piping systems, storage tanks, and heavy construction. The Hoballoy 8018C3 is compatible with T-1 and AR steels, as well as general shipbuilding and petrochemical grade plates, providing a sound, X-ray quality deposit that meets stringent engineering specifications.