Skip to Main Content
Canadian
Canadian owned and operated

ED511230 - Lincoln 7018AC 3/32" Stick Electrode

Packaging: 4kg tube
$23.96/kg $44.96/4kg tube only $11.24/kgSave 53%

In stock

OVERVIEW

Smooth Welding on Any Machine

If you have ever tried to run a standard 7018 rod on an old AC "buzz box" welder, you know the frustration: the rod sticks, the arc stutters, and it keeps cutting out. The Lincoln Electric 7018AC 2.5mm electrode is the solution to that headache. Lincoln engineered this rod specifically for welders who need the strength and code-quality of a 7018 low-hydrogen weld but are working with an AC power source. It runs buttery smooth where other rods fail, giving you a stable arc that doesn't fight you.

At 2.5mm (roughly 3/32"), this rod is a versatile size for general repairs, fabrication, and farm work. It's small enough to handle slightly thinner materials without blowing through but carries enough filler metal to build up strong joints on thicker steel. The slag coverage is excellent and peels off easily, leaving you with a clean, professional-looking bead. Plus, because it's an all-position rod, you can tackle vertical-up or overhead welds without the puddle dripping out on you.

Don't let your machine limit your weld quality. Whether you are fixing a trailer frame, repairing a bucket on a tractor, or doing structural work in the shop, the Lincoln 7018AC gives you the confidence of a high-strength bond. It also works perfectly fine on DC+ if you switch machines, making it a versatile addition to your rod oven. Remember to keep these rods dry—moisture is the enemy of a good low-hydrogen weld!

Additional Information
Brand:Lincoln Electric
Diameter:2.5mm (3/32")
AWS Spec:E7018
Polarity:AC/DCEP
Position:All
Amp Range:70-110 A
Rod Type:Stick Electrode
Core Material:Mild Steel
Coating Type:Low Hydrogen Iron Powder
AWS Classification:E7018-AC
Welding Position:All Position
Storage Instructions:Store in a dry, controlled environment; recondition if exposed to moisture
Packaging Description:4kg tube

INCLUDED

  • Lincoln Electric 7018AC Stick Electrodes (2.5mm diameter)
  • Moisture-resistant packaging

APPLICATIONS

  • Structural steel fabrication and erection
  • General maintenance and repair of heavy equipment
  • Farm and agricultural implement repair
  • Shipbuilding and barge repair
  • Construction of bridges and storage tanks
  • Applications requiring AC power to eliminate arc blow

FAQ

Standard 7018 is optimized for DCEP (Direct Current Electrode Positive). 7018AC has special chemical stabilizers in the flux coating that allow it to maintain a stable arc on AC (Alternating Current) power sources, preventing the arc from extinguishing during the current's zero-crossing.

Yes, Lincoln 7018AC runs excellently on DCEP (DC+) as well as AC. It is a versatile rod for shops with multiple types of machines.

For a 2.5mm (3/32") diameter 7018 electrode, the recommended amperage range is typically between 70 and 110 Amps, depending on the material thickness and welding position.

Yes, like all low-hydrogen (E7018) electrodes, 7018AC should be kept dry. Once the package is opened, rods should be stored in a rod oven at 250°F-300°F to prevent moisture absorption which causes porosity and cracking.

AC is often used to eliminate "arc blow," a phenomenon where magnetic fields distort the arc, making it difficult to control. AC is also the only option for older transformer-style welders (buzz boxes).

As an E7018 classification, this electrode provides a minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi (approx. 480 MPa).

Yes, the Lincoln 7018AC is an all-position electrode. It performs well in flat, horizontal, vertical-up, and overhead positions.