
When your job calls for welding high-temperature piping or pressure vessels, you need a rod that runs smooth and passes inspection every time. The Hobart Hoballoy 7018-A1 is your go-to stick electrode for carbon-moly steel projects. This 5/32-inch rod is built to handle the heat—literally. The "A1" in the name means it puts down a weld deposit with extra Molybdenum, giving your welds the strength they need to hold up under high operating temperatures without failing. It’s the professional choice for boiler tubes and high-pressure steam lines.
But it’s not just about the specs; it’s about how it burns. Hobart has formulated this electrode to have a smooth, stable arc that is easy to control, even if you are welding out of position. The iron powder in the flux helps the puddle wet out nicely, creating a flat to slightly convex bead that ties in perfectly at the toes. You’ll appreciate the minimal spatter, which saves you time on grinding and cleanup. Plus, the slag is designed to release easily—often curling up on its own as it cools—so you can spend more time burning rods and less time chipping.
This 50lb can is perfect for the shop or the field rig. The hermetic seal keeps the rods bone-dry until you crack it open, ensuring you get that low-hydrogen performance right from the start. Whether you are running on DC+ or AC, you will find the restart is dependable and the arc is forgiving. If you are welding on C-Mo steels and need X-ray quality results that will make the inspector smile, load up your stinger with Hoballoy 7018-A1.
Key usability features include:
| Additional Information |
|---|
| Brand:Hobart |
| AWS Spec:E7018-A1 |
| Diameter:4.0mm (5/32") |
| Packaging Description:50lb can |
| Polarity:DCEP, AC |
| Position:All |
| Amp Range:135-220 A |
| Rod Type:Stick Electrode (SMAW) |
| Core Material:Carbon-Molybdenum Steel |
| Coating Type:Low Hydrogen Iron Powder |
| AWS Classification:E7018-A1 |
| Tensile Strength:70,000 psi (min) |
| Yield Strength:57,000 psi (min) |
| Alloy Content:0.50% Molybdenum |
| Welding Position:All Position |