Excalibur 7018 XMR low-hydrogen stick electrode is the latest addition to the Excalibur SMAW (stick) electrode series. Excalibur 7018 XMR offers exceptional low moisture content even after 24 hours of exposure—remaining below the moisture content limit for 15 hours more than required under the American Welding Society’s AWS A5.1.
Electrodes, when exposed to air, pick up moisture over time. The moisture typically increases the hydrogen content of the weld—and potentially leads to failure. Low hydrogen (or basic) electrodes are designed for applications susceptible to hydrogen cracking, a form of failure occurring when moisture causes porosity in the weld.
Excalibur 7018 XMR is used for general fabrication in many industries, including:
- Structural
- Pipeline
- Chemical Processing
- Ship Building
Previously, Lincoln Electric’s Excalibur 7018 MR stick electrode was designed to meet AWS (American Welding Society) standards (AWS A5 limit for 9 hours exposure, H4R classification) for moisture resistance, meaning it will resist moisture for a full shift or 9 hours. After that, it is common practice to put electrodes from the opened container in a rod oven to bake the moisture out of the rod coating.
- Meets AWS H4R moisture requirements during up to 24 hours of exposure
- Improved coating integrity
- Extreme bendability – The rod coating maintains integrity when bent for welding in tight spaces to a greater extent than similar competitive rods
- 60% less moisture pickup vs. competition
