AK-E11018-G Low-Hydrogen Sodium Electrode for High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Welding.
A low-hydrogen sodium-coated electrode for all-position welding of high-strength low-alloy steels, delivering crack resistance and mechanical properties to meet demanding structural applications.
Product Overview
AK-E11018-G is a low-alloy steel electrode with a low-hydrogen sodium type coating, designed for all-position welding using direct current reverse polarity (DC reverse). It is formulated for use on low-alloy steels of corresponding strength classes, providing good mechanical properties and resistance to cracking.
The electrode meets the EN ISO 18275 E 69 6 Z B 32 H5, AWS A5.5 E11018-G-H4, and GB/T 5118 E8018-G classifications. It is available in 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm, and 4.0 mm diameters with recommended current ranges for flat/horizontal and vertical/overhead positions as specified in the technical data.
Application: For welding of low alloy steels of corresponding strength classes.
Key Benefits
Low-Hydrogen Sodium Coating
The low-hydrogen sodium coating minimizes hydrogen content in the weld metal, reducing the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking in high-strength low-alloy steels.
All-Position Welding Capability
The electrode performs reliably in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions, enabling consistent weld quality across complex joint geometries without changing consumables.
High Strength and Toughness.
Deposited metal achieves tensile strength of at least 780 MPa, yield stress of at least 690 MPa, and impact energy of at least 27 J at minus 50 degrees C, meeting the requirements for low-temperature service.
Controlled Chemical Composition
The electrode delivers a precise balance of alloying elements, including manganese (1.30–1.80%), chromium (0.40%), molybdenum (0.25–0.50%), and vanadium (0.05%), to support strength and toughness without compromising weldability.
Where It Is Used
- Welding of high-strength low-alloy steels in structural components.
- Fabrication and repair of pressure vessels and boilers.
- Construction of bridges and heavy machinery where crack resistance is critical.
- Pipeline and offshore structures requiring low-temperature toughness.
Who It Is For
- Welding consumable distributors supplying high-strength low-alloy steel electrodes.
- Fabricators working with structural steels requiring crack-resistant welds.
- Maintenance teams in oil & gas and power generation sectors needing reliable consumables for critical joints.
Problems It Solves
- Cracking in welds due to high hydrogen content in low-alloy steel joints.
- Inconsistent mechanical properties when using electrodes not matched to base metal strength class.
- Need for multiple electrode types to cover different welding positions on the same structure.
Specifications
Published by the factory for AK-E11018-G. Values not shown are not published on the datasheet and are marked as such rather than estimated.
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| Classification 1 | EN ISO 18275 E 69 6 Z B 32 H5 |
| Classification 2 | AWS A5.5 E11018-G-H4 |
| Classification 3 | GB/T 5118 E8018-G |
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| C | 0.10 |
| Si | 0.60 |
| Mn | 1.30-1.80 |
| Ni | 1.25-2.5 |
| Cr | 0.40 |
| Mo | 0.25-0.50 |
| V | 0.05 |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength (MPa) | ≥780 |
| Yield Stress (MPa) | ≥690 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥15 |
| Impact values (J) | ≥27J/-50℃ |
| Diameter | Current range |
|---|---|
| 2.5mm | F/H-60-80A V/OH-50-70A |
| 3.2mm | F/H-90-130A V/OH-80-110A |
| 4.0mm | F/H-140-180A V/OH-130-170A |
Technical Features
- Low-hydrogen sodium coating for crack resistance in high-strength low-alloy steels.
- Deposited metal tensile strength at least 780 MPa and yield stress at least 690 MPa.
- Elongation at least 15 percent and impact energy at least 27 J at minus 50 degrees C.
- Chemical composition includes C: 0.10%, Si: 0.60%, Mn: 1.30–1.80%, Ni: 1.25–2.5%, Cr: 0.40%, Mo: 0.25–0.50%, V: 0.05%
- Supplied in 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm, and 4.0 mm diameters with published current ranges for each.
Use Guide
- Select diameter by joint thickness and position: 2.5 mm for thin sections, 3.2 mm for medium, 4.0 mm for thicker sections.
- Use DC reverse polarity (DCEN) for stable arc and consistent weld metal properties.
- Set current within the recommended range: 2.5 mm – 60–80 A flat/horizontal, 50–70 A vertical/overhead; 3.2 mm – 90–130 A flat/horizontal, 80–110 A vertical/overhead; 4.0 mm – 140–180 A flat/horizontal, 130–170 A vertical/overhead.
- Keep electrodes dry in sealed packaging; re-dry if exposed to moisture before use.
- Clean joint surfaces from rust, oil, paint, and moisture before welding to prevent porosity and cracking.
How It Compares
AK-E11018-G and E11018-G both meet AWS A5.5 E11018-G-H4 and EN ISO 18275 E 69 6 Z B 32 H5, but differ in coating type. AK-E11018-G uses a low-hydrogen sodium coating, which requires strict drying and DC reverse polarity, but offers superior crack resistance. Cellulosic-coated electrodes provide deeper penetration and better handling of dirty joints but have higher hydrogen content and are not suitable for high-strength applications. For applications requiring the lowest hydrogen levels, a basic-coated electrode may be preferred, though it demands more stringent storage and handling.
Related Grades
Other welding electrodes in the same family.
AK-E11018-G Questions
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