CLASSIFICATION

ímet-9018M(H4R) are iron powder, low hydrogen electrodes originally designed for military applications such as welding HY80 and HY100 type steels. To achieve desired weld metal properties and soundness, these electrodes have small alloy additions (especially some Ni) and require careful control of moisture in the electrode covering. It is important that moisture levels in the coating be maintained during electrode manufacture, packaging, transport, and site storage.

These electrodes are usually employed without subsequent post weld heat treatment. However, hydrogen-release treatments at lower temperatures, typically less than 260°C, are often applied. In the as-welded condition, the weld-metal mechanical properties include ultimate tensile strength minima of 620 MPa and good notch toughness at temperatures up to –50°C. With these properties, the E9018M type electrodes are suitable for joining many high-strength, low-alloy, or micro alloyed steels such as ASTM A514, A517, A543 Type B or C; NAVSEA Technical Publication T9074-BD-GIB–010/0300 K31820, K32045 HY80 or HY100,

UNS Nr. K11630, K42339 to themselves or to lower strength steels, including carbon steels.

These electrodes are intended to be like types of electrodes covered by military specifications MIL-E–22200/1 and MIL-E– 22200/10.

Storage and Drying Conditions: Not recommended | Ambient temperature (For R-Class)

Hydrogen can have adverse effects on welds in some steels under certain conditions. One source of this hydrogen is moisture in the electrode coverings. For this reason, the proper storage, treatment, and handling of electrodes are necessary.

Holding Ovens: 125°C–150°C Drying Conditions: 250°C–425°C

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF UNDILUTED WELD

Single values are maxima, except where specified otherwise.

ALL-WELD-METAL MECHANICAL PROPERTIES (AW)

Preheat and Interpass : 95 to 110°C | Post weld Heat Treatment : NS°C for 1 Hour(s) The temperature shall be raised at the rate of 85°C to 280°C per hour and allowed to cool at a rate not greater than 200°C per hour, and may be removed from the furnace when the temperature of the furnace has reached 300°C and allowed to cool in still air.

Single values are minimal.

For 2.5 mm electrodes, the upper value for the yield strength may be 35 MPa higher than the indicated value. Impact test specimens are tested without thermal treatment.

Limit of Moisture Content, % by weight max: 0.15 max (Reconditioned) | 0.40 (As Exposed) for H4 version Diffusible Hydrogen Content Average, Maximum, mL(H2)/100 g Deposited Metal: 4.00

Welding Considerations

Preheat and interpass minimum temperatures also have a significant effect on the strength levels attained with certain low-alloy steel weld metals. These weld metals are affected by rapid cooling rates which tend to produce more martensitic or bainitic microstructures. These microstructures will often exhibit higher yield and tensile strengths with a decrease in ductility.

The cooling rate can be retarded by utilizing a higher preheat and interpass temperature. The preheat and interpass temperature ranges given herein are adequate for the preparation of the test assemblies.

However, in actual production, users are encouraged to test their own procedures to verify that they have selected preheat and interpass temperatures which will produce desirable results in production.

Due to the thick covering and deep cup produced at the arcing end of the electrode, iron powder electrodes can be used very effectively with a “drag” technique. This technique consists of keeping the electrode covering in contact with the work piece at all times, which makes for easy handling. However, a technique using a short arc length is preferable if the 2.5 mm or 3.2 mm electrodes are to be used in other than flat or horizontal fillet welding positions or for making groove welds.

SIZES & CURRENT CONDITIONS (DCEP)

NOTE: H4 R variant is available for supply on request.

WARNING: Safety and health information is available from many sources, including, but not limited to Safety and Health Fact Sheets listed in A11.3, ANSI Z49.1 Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes published by the American Welding Society, 8669 Doral Blvd., Suite 130, Doral, FL 33166., and applicable federal and state regulations. The Safety and Health Fact Sheets are revised, and additional sheets added periodically.