VQ Welding Rod for Carbon Steel and Low Alloy Steel

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VQ Welding Rod
for Carbon Steel and Low Alloy Steel

Electrodes’ rods are incredibly sensitive to moisture, and their performance hinges entirely on proper storage.

VQ Welding Electrodes:
The New Standard for Uncompromising Weld Quality

VQ Welding Electrodes, the dedicated welding consumables brand from Vanguard Steels, sets a new benchmark for joining metal parts across every industry that demands excellence. From construction and automotive to manufacturing, shipbuilding, and aerospace, our electrodes are engineered for precision, performance, and superior results on every project.

While you’ll notice a fresh, new look on our VQ electrode boxes, rest assured that the renowned quality you’ve come to depend on from Vanguard Steels remains steadfast – in fact, we’ve elevated it. Each VQ welding rod is not merely produced, but meticulously engineered in a state-of-the-art facility backed by over 70 years of manufacturing expertise in welding consumables. This extensive heritage and commitment to innovation ensure that every VQ electrode delivers consistent performance, remarkable ease of use, and an undeniably excellent weld quality that surpasses expectations.

Unlike general mild steel electrodes, VQ products distinguish themselves through their advanced design and unparalleled manufacturing scale. While sharing the fundamental principles of a mild steel core wire and protective flux, VQ electrodes feature proprietary flux formulations and stringent manufacturing controls, capable of producing over 1,000,000 metric tons of welding consumables annually. This dedication translates directly into a higher caliber of weld, offering superior arc stability, minimal spatter, and an exceptionally clean weld bead. Our comprehensive range includes solutions for mild steel, high-toughness steel, low alloy steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and specialized alloys, ensuring VQ provides the precision and reliability needed to “finish the project very well.”

VQ Welding Electrodes are manufactured to the highest international standards, holding a robust portfolio of certifications including ABS, BV, CWB, DNV (DB), ISO 9001, KR, LR, NAKS, RINA, and RS. When you choose VQ, you’re not just selecting a rod; you’re investing in a higher standard of performance, backed by a global leader in welding consumable manufacturing and the trusted legacy of quality from Vanguard Steels. Experience the difference of an electrode crafted to exceed the demands of modern welding, ensuring every joint is strong, durable, and flawlessly executed.

AWS TYPE	SIZE		LENGTH	PRODUCT CODE	WEIGHT
	INCH	MM	MM		KG
PACKAGING	5KG SLEEVES	20KG CARTONS
E6013	3/32	2.6	350	61974 22400	5
E6013	1/8	3.2	350	61974 23200	5
E6013	5/32	4.0	400	61974 24000	5
E7018	3/32	2.6	350	61974 32400	5
E7018	1/8	3.2	350	61974 33200	5
E7018	5/32	4.0	400	61974 34000	5
PACKAGING	2KG SLEEVES	20KG CARTONS
E6013	3/32	2.6	350	61962 22400	2
E6013	1/8	3.2	350	61962 23200	2
E6013	5/32	4.0	400	61962 24000	2
E7018	3/32	2.6	350	61962 32400	2
E7018	1/8	3.2	350	61962 33200	2
E7018	5/32	4.0	400	61962 34000	2

E6013

6013 electrode is unalloy steel welding rod and suitable for all-position welding. The size of 6013 welding rod is 1.6mm-5.8mm, which has good welding performance. E6013 welding rod always be used for the steel plate of ships, vehicles and etc. It is also suitable for intermittent welding to sheet steels and small work pieces as well as cosmetic welding with smooth and shiny appearance.

Type of Covering: High titania, potassium

Welding Position: F, H, HF, OH, V

Type of Current: AC, DCEP or DCEN

Notices: Normally the rod does not need to re-bake in case it is affected with damp seriously re-bake it at 150℃ for 30-60 minutes before use.

Chemical Composition of Deposited Metal (%)


Standard	≤0.20	≤1.20	≤1.00	≤0.040	≤0.035	≤0.30	≤0.20	≤0.30	≤0.08
Typical	0.070	0.40	0.25	0.025	0.020	0.05	0.018	0.005	0.010

Mechanical Properties of Deposited Metal (AW)


Standard	≥430	≥330	≥16
Typical	480	380	22

Sizes & Recommended Current (DC or AC)


Welding Rod Length (mm)	300	300	350	400	400	400
Welding Current (A)	40-70	60-90	90-130	150-190	180-250	220-280

E7018

E7018 is unalloy steel welding electrode, suitable for all-position welding. Good processing property, reduces spatter and distortion, easy to deslagging. And 7018 welding rod is used for structures fabricated by equivalent tensile strength carbon steel and low alloy steels, such as boilers, high pressure vessels, bridges, pipelines and etc.

Type of Covering: Low hydrogen, potassium, iron powder

Welding Position: F, H, HF, OH, V

Type of Current: DCEP or AC

Notices:

The rod should be baked at 350℃ for 1 hour before use.
The surfaces to be welded must be cleaned away impurities of oil contamination, rust, moisture and so on.
Short arc and narrow-gap welding is recommended.

Chemical Composition of Deposited Metal (%)


Standard	≤0.15	≤1.60	≤0.90	≤0.035	≤0.035	≤0.30	≤0.20	≤0.30	≤0.08
Typical	0.068	1.38	0.41	0.015	0.012	0.035	0.011	0.001	0.002

Mechanical Properties of Deposited Metal (AW)


Standard	≥490	≥400	≥20	≥27
Typical	560	465	29	130

Sizes & Recommended Current (DC+ or AC open circuit voltage ≥70V)


Welding Rod Length (mm)	300	350	400	400
Welding Current (A)	70-110	100-140	140-180	190-240

The Critical Role of Storage: Unlocking VQ Full Potential

Did you know that VQ Welding Electrodes’ 7018 rods are incredibly sensitive to moisture, and their performance hinges entirely on proper storage? This “low-hydrogen” electrode is meticulously designed to prevent hydrogen-induced cracking in critical welds, yet even small amounts of atmospheric moisture can compromise this key benefit. That’s why VQ 7018 is often hermetically sealed, and once opened, its integrity demands storage in specialized electrode ovens to maintain its pristine, moisture-free condition, ensuring the highest quality and safety for your projects.

Protecting Your Investment: Why 7018 Storage Matters for Weld Integrity

The extreme sensitivity of VQ 7018 to moisture isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a fundamental requirement for weld strength and longevity. Hydrogen, if introduced from a damp electrode coating, can lead to delayed cracking—a silent killer in high-stress applications like bridges, pressure vessels, and heavy machinery. Understanding this vulnerability is why professional welders prioritize the use of electrode ovens to store 7018 after opening, and why “rebaking” is a common practice for electrodes exposed to air. This diligence in storage is the unseen step that guarantees the ultimate reliability and durability of every VQ 7018 weld.

CAUTION / ATTENTION

Please read and understand all safety information before using VQ Welding Electrodes. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death.

ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL: Do not touch live electrical parts. Insulate yourself from work and ground.
FUMES AND GASES CAN BE DANGEROUS: Keep your head out of the fumes. Use enough ventilation, exhaust at the arc, or both, to keep fumes and gases away from your breathing zone and the general area.
ARC RAYS CAN BURN EYES AND SKIN: Wear a welding helmet with an appropriate shade of filter lens to protect your eyes and face. Wear approved safety glasses with side shields under your helmet. Wear appropriate body protection to protect skin from arc rays and hot sparks.
WELDING CAN CAUSE FIRE OR EXPLOSION: Do not weld near flammable materials. Have a fire extinguisher readily available.
HOT METAL CAN CAUSE BURNS: Allow work to cool before handling. Wear insulated welding gloves and protective clothing.
GRINDING, WELDING, AND CUTTING DEBRIS CAN BE DANGEROUS: Protect yourself and others from flying particles. Wear appropriate eye protection (safety glasses or goggles) when grinding or chipping.

Always ensure proper training and adherence to applicable safety standards (e.g., CSA W117.2-2024 – Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, or your local regulations) when using VQ Welding Electrodes.