ESAB 4.0mm Fortrex 7018 Electrodes (16.4kg) VacPac

The Fortrex 7018 is a premium-quality, basic-coated, hydrogen-controlled electrode specifically engineered for welding carbon steels, medium tensile steels, and mild steels under demanding, high-restraint conditions. This electrode is ideal for all-position welding applications, excluding vertical down, and is a trusted choice in industries where hydrogen control is critical for achieving superior weld integrity. The Fortrex 7018 ensures low diffusible hydrogen levels below H4, making it a perfect solution for structural fabrications and other critical welding tasks.

A standout feature of the Fortrex 7018 is its iron powder-enriched coating, delivering an exceptional weld metal recovery rate of approximately 120%. This results in increased deposition rates, making the welding process more efficient and cost-effective. The electrode exhibits excellent striking and re-striking capabilities, which simplifies operation and minimizes downtime. Additionally, the Fortrex 7018 produces a slag that is easy to remove, leaving behind clean, aesthetically pleasing, and robust weld beads.

Key Features and Benefits

• High Recovery Rate: The iron powder coating ensures a weld metal recovery of approximately 120%, maximizing efficiency.
• All-Position Welding: Suitable for all welding positions except vertical down.
• Low Hydrogen Levels: Guarantees diffusible hydrogen levels below H4, reducing the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking.
• Smooth Performance: Reliable arc striking and re-striking capabilities improve workflow.
• Clean Welds: Produces easily removable slag for smooth and defect-free weld beads.

Applications

The Fortrex 7018 is widely used across multiple industries, including:

• Structural fabrications
• General engineering applications
• Shipbuilding
• Pressure vessels and boilers
• Heavy equipment manufacturing

Welding Current Recommendations

To achieve optimal performance, the Fortrex 7018 should be used within the following welding current ranges:

• 2.5 x 350 mm: 70–110 A
• 3.2 x 450 mm: 90–140 A
• 4.0 x 450 mm: 120–190 A
• 5.0 x 450 mm: 190–260 A

These parameters ensure consistent performance, good penetration, and high-quality mechanical properties.

Certifications and Approvals

The Fortrex 7018 meets rigorous international standards, ensuring reliability in critical welding applications. It is classified under:

• AWS A5.1: E7018 H4R
• EN ISO 2560-A: E 42 4 B 42 H5

Additionally, the electrode holds approvals from leading certification bodies, including:

• ABS: 3Y H5
• BV: 3Y H5
• CE: EN 13479
• DNV-GL: 3Y H5
• LR: 3Y H5

Performance and Reliability

The Fortrex 7018 has been designed to withstand tough welding environments while ensuring exceptional mechanical strength and consistent performance. Its low hydrogen formulation minimizes the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking, making it an excellent choice for critical, high-stress welding applications.

Why Choose Fortrex 7018?

Whether you’re working on structural projects, pipelines, or heavy machinery, the Fortrex 7018 delivers the performance and reliability you need. Its user-friendly design, high efficiency, and compliance with stringent industry standards make it a top-tier choice for welders worldwide.

Experience seamless welding with the Fortrex 7018, the go-to electrode for superior strength, efficiency, and safety.