E7018 vs E71T-GS: 85% composition overlap. Some similarities but notable differences in alloying elements.
E7018 vs E71T-GS
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
E7018
The world's most widely used low-hydrogen SMAW (stick) welding electrode. Iron powder + calcium fluoride coating produces smooth, easy-to-control arc with minimal spatter and easy slag removal. Low hydrogen designation prevents hydrogen-induced cracking in structural joints. All-position welding (1 = flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead). AC or DCEP. Minimum 480 MPa tensile strength. Must be stored in heated ovens (250-300°F) to prevent moisture pickup. Used for structural steel, bridges, buildings, pressure vessels, and all code-compliant fabrication per AWS D1.1.
E71T-GS
Self-shielded flux cored wire — no external shielding gas required. Single-pass, all-position. Tensile strength 70 ksi (485 MPa). The go-to wire for field welding, outdoor repair, farm equipment, fencing and hobby welding where gas bottles are impractical. Generates its own protective atmosphere from flux decomposition. Higher spatter and fume than gas-shielded FCAW but unbeatable portability. Popular in small MIG welders for DIY and light fabrication.
| E7018 | E71T-GS | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Welding | Welding |
| Standard | AWS A5.1 | AWS A5.20 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | E7018 | E71T-GS | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | ≤ 0.15% | ≤ 0.12% | OK |
| Si | ≤ 0.75% | ≤ 0.9% | OK |
| Mn | ≤ 1.6% | ≤ 1.75% | OK |
| P | ≤ 0.04% | — | — |
Mechanical properties
| Property | E7018 | E71T-GS | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | ≥ 480 | — | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 400 | — | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 22 | — | % |
Compatibility Assessment
E7018 and E71T-GS share some characteristics (85% overlap) but have notable differences. They may be substitutable in some applications but not all. Verify suitability carefully.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E7018 the same as E71T-GS?
E7018 and E71T-GS have a 85% composition overlap. For most purposes, they can be considered similar.
Can I replace E7018 with E71T-GS?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (85%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between E7018 and E71T-GS?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. E7018 is a Welding grade, while E71T-GS is a Welding grade.
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.