Steel E7018-H4R
Grade
GOST E7018 · JIS D5016 · GB J507, E5015
H4R = ≤4 mL/100 g diffusible hydrogen, moisture-resistant hermetic packaging
Use for high-restraint, thick-section or higher-strength steels where hydrogen cracking control is critical and re-baking is to be avoided.
Values for the H4R condition
Other E7018 tempers and conditions
E7018 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at E7018.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stress relieved | Pick when the fabrication receives code-required PWHT (pressure vessels, thick restraint joints): slightly lower strength, higher ductility and lower residual stress. | 420 | 515 | 30 | 155 HB | — |
AWDefault As-welded deposit | Default condition for structural steelwork: deposit used straight from the arc with no post-weld heat treatment. | 450 | 540 | 28 | 170 HB | — |
H4RThis page ≤4 mL/100 g diffusible hydrogen, moisture-resistant hermetic packaging | Use for high-restraint, thick-section or higher-strength steels where hydrogen cracking control is critical and re-baking is to be avoided. | 450 | 540 | 28 | 170 HB | 10 % IACS |
Improved low-temperature toughness version | Choose when the WPS demands 27 J at −46 °C or higher weld-metal ductility, e.g. offshore, bridge and low-temperature storage tanks. | 460 | 550 | 29 | 172 HB | 10 % IACS |
What is E7018-H4R?
E7018-H4R is E7018 in the H4R grade — use for high-restraint, thick-section or higher-strength steels where hydrogen cracking control is critical and re-baking is to be avoided. E7018-H4R has a yield strength of 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — stronger than 52% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 28% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi). E7018-H4R has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,465°C (2,669 °F). AW is the default condition FabDigit quotes; H4R is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Readily welded — 97/100, better than 100% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 28%, better than 89% of steel grades
- Conducts heat well — 50 W/m·K (28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 87% of steel grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 128 MPa·√m (116.5 ksi·√in), better than 85% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 10 % IACS, better than 83% of steel grades
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 2.6 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 87% of steel grades
E7018-H4R properties
Typical room-temperature values for E7018-H4R; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are E7018 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
E7018-H4R has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,465°C (2,669 °F).
Mechanical15
E7018-H4R has a yield strength of 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — stronger than 52% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 28% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
Thermal6
E7018-H4R is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 50 W/m·K (28.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 87% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
E7018-H4R conducts electricity at 10 % IACS, better than 83% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (11/100), worse than 73% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E7018-H4R takes about 33 MJ of energy and emits 2.6 kg of CO₂ — more than 76% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
E7018-H4R's machinability is good (55/100, better than 62% of steel grades); weldability excellent (97/100); formability good (55/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with E7018-H4R
Is E7018 easy to machine?
Weld deposit machines like a normalized C-Mn steel but slag inclusions and hard HAZ can chip carbide edges — grind the cap first and use rigid setups.
Can E7018 be welded?
AC or DCEP, short arc with drag technique, redry 260–430 °C / 1–2 h and keep in a 120 °C quiver; preheat/interpass per AWS D1.1 for thick or higher-carbon steel.
Can E7018 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product; deposit can be hammer/needle peened between passes for distortion control but should not be cold formed severely.
What surface finishes work on E7018?
Remove slag completely, blast or grind before coating; accepts phosphating, zinc-rich primer, paint and hot-dip galvanizing like mild steel.
E7018 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| CAWS A5.1 undiluted weld metal limit | ≤ 0.15 | 0.06 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.6 | 1.1 |
| Si | ≤ 0.75 | 0.5 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.04 | 0.01 |
| Ni1.0 max for E7018-1 grades in some producer specs | ≤ 0.3 | 0.03 |
| Cr | ≤ 0.2 | 0.03 |
| Mo | ≤ 0.3 | 0.02 |
| V | ≤ 0.08 | 0.01 |
| Febalance, iron-powder bearing basic coating | balance | — |
E7018-H4R — frequently asked
What is E7018-H4R used for?
E7018-H4R is typically used for structural steel, pressure vessels, bridges and heavy equipment repair. In short: low-hydrogen structural standard; best toughness among stick electrodes; requires redry and quiver.
What is the yield strength of E7018-H4R?
E7018-H4R has a typical yield strength of 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — stronger than 52% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is E7018-H4R easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (55/100, better than 62% of steel grades). Weld deposit machines like a normalized C-Mn steel but slag inclusions and hard HAZ can chip carbide edges — grind the cap first and use rigid setups.
Can E7018-H4R be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (97/100). AC or DCEP, short arc with drag technique, redry 260–430 °C / 1–2 h and keep in a 120 °C quiver; preheat/interpass per AWS D1.1 for thick or higher-carbon steel.
What surface finishes work on E7018-H4R?
Remove slag completely, blast or grind before coating; accepts phosphating, zinc-rich primer, paint and hot-dip galvanizing like mild steel.
Can E7018-H4R be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product; deposit can be hammer/needle peened between passes for distortion control but should not be cold formed severely.
What is the maximum service temperature of E7018-H4R?
E7018-H4R is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between E7018-AW and E7018-SR?
AW is the default condition — default condition for structural steelwork: deposit used straight from the arc with no post-weld heat treatment. SR: pick when the fabrication receives code-required PWHT (pressure vessels, thick restraint joints): slightly lower strength, higher ductility and lower residual stress. Yield strength is 450 MPa in AW versus 420 MPa in SR.
Sources
- AWS A5.1/A5.1M — Carbon Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding — American Welding Society (2012)
- AWS D1.1/D1.1M Structural Welding Code — Steel — American Welding Society (2020)
- ASM Handbook Vol.6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering — ASM International (1993)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels — ASM International (1990)
- Low-hydrogen SMAW electrode datasheets (Lincoln Excalibur 7018, ESAB Atom Arc 7018, CHE507) — Lincoln Electric / ESAB / (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.