Welding Electrode Guide: E6010 vs E6013 vs E7018
By the Towam Equipment Technical Team · reviewed by our in-house welding service department · Published 14 June 2026 · Updated 14 June 2026
How stick electrodes are classified
Stick (MMA) electrodes are named with a system that tells you their strength and behaviour. In the E60xx and E70xx families, the first two digits are the minimum tensile strength in thousands of pounds per square inch — 60 means 60,000 psi, 70 means 70,000 psi. The last two digits describe the flux coating, the welding positions the rod supports and the current type it needs. The three rods below cover the overwhelming majority of manual stick welding in UAE workshops and on site.
E6010 — deep penetration and root runs
E6010 has a cellulosic coating that produces a forceful, digging arc. It cuts through mill scale, rust and light contamination and is the traditional choice for pipe root passes and structural root runs. Because the arc is aggressive, it demands a stable DC source and a machine specifically rated to strike and hold a cellulosic arc. Many low-cost inverters cannot run E6010 reliably. The 555 ARC 250 GT is built to handle E6010 cellulosic, which is why it is our recommendation for pipe and root work. See our dedicated note on running E6010 on a 220V inverter.
E6013 — the easy general-purpose rod
E6013 is the most forgiving electrode and the one most new welders learn on. Its rutile coating gives a soft, stable arc with light penetration, minimal spatter and an easy slag release. It runs well on both AC and DC and is ideal for thin sheet, light brackets, repairs and general fabrication where deep penetration is not required. Almost any 555 MMA machine handles E6013 comfortably.
E7018 — low-hydrogen structural strength
E7018 is a low-hydrogen rod with an iron-powder coating. It deposits clean, tough, crack-resistant weld metal and is the standard for structural steel, load-bearing joints and thicker sections where weld integrity is critical. The coating absorbs moisture, so E7018 should be kept dry and, ideally, stored in a rod oven. It runs best on DC and benefits from a machine with adjustable Arc Force to keep the arc stable as the rod softens.
E6010 vs E6013 vs E7018 — comparison
| Electrode | Current | Penetration | Best use | 555 machine that runs it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E6010 | DC+ (cellulosic) | Deep, digging | Pipe root runs, structural roots, dirty or rusty steel | 555 ARC 250 GT |
| E6013 | AC or DC | Light to medium | Sheet, light fabrication, general repairs | 555 MMA-300 PRO, 555 MMA-400 PRO, 555 ARC 250 GT |
| E7018 | DC+ (low-hydrogen) | Medium | Structural steel, load-bearing and thicker joints | 555 MMA-400 PRO, 555 ARC 250 GT |
Current type and penetration follow standard AWS A5.1 classifications. Always confirm against your electrode manufacturer's data sheet and your welding procedure.
Matching the electrode to the machine
The electrode and the machine are a system. A rod is only as good as the arc the welder can hold, and that depends on stable DC output, adequate amperage and — for cellulosic rods — a power source designed to run them. The 555 ARC 250 GT delivers 210A MMA with Lift TIG, VRD and E6010 cellulosic capability on 220V, making it the most versatile single choice across all three rods. For general E6013 and E7018 work, the 555 MMA-300 PRO (160A) and the 555 MMA-400 PRO (180A, adjustable Arc Force) are dependable workshop machines. Browse the full range in MMA stick welders.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run E6010 on any inverter welder?
No. E6010 needs a stable DC source built to strike and sustain a cellulosic arc. Many budget inverters stall or splutter with E6010. The 555 ARC 250 GT is specifically rated for E6010 cellulosic.
What is the difference between E6013 and E7018 in plain terms?
E6013 is easy to run with light penetration for general and sheet work. E7018 is a low-hydrogen rod that lays down stronger, crack-resistant metal for structural and thicker joints, but it must be kept dry.
Why does E7018 need to be kept dry?
The low-hydrogen coating absorbs atmospheric moisture, which can introduce hydrogen into the weld and cause cracking. Store rods in their sealed packaging or a rod oven and avoid using damp electrodes.
What amperage should I set for these rods?
As a rule of thumb, allow roughly 40A per millimetre of electrode diameter: about 70–100A for 2.5mm, 110–140A for 3.2mm and 150–190A for 4.0mm. See our duty cycle guide to confirm the machine can sustain that current.
Do I need DC for all three electrodes?
E6010 and E7018 run best on DC. E6013 runs on both AC and DC. All current 555 inverters are DC machines, so all three rods are covered.
Not sure which rod or machine suits your job? Message our technical team on WhatsApp and we'll match the electrode and 555 machine to your work.
Towam Equipment Trading · in-house UAE service · WhatsApp +971 50 767 0682 · sales@towam.ae · towam.ae. Figures rated to EN/IEC 60974-1 at 40°C.