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What does the E stand for on a welding rod?
Every number on a welding rod has meaning—and it starts with “E.”
The “E” in a welding rod stands for “Electrode”—indicating that the rod conducts electric current and melts to become filler metal during the weld.
Let’s break down the full code and understand how each letter and number guides rod selection.
What does E7018 stand for?
It’s a code that tells you everything.
E7018 means it’s an electrode (E) with 70,000 psi tensile strength, usable in all positions (1), and with a low-hydrogen iron powder coating (8).
We supplied E7018 to a contractor working on offshore support beams. Every number in the rod’s label helped them meet AWS D1.1 code specs.
E7018 Breakdown
| Digit | Meaning |
|---|---|
| E | Electrode |
| 70 | 70,000 psi tensile strength |
| 1 | All-position (flat, vertical, overhead) |
| 8 | Low hydrogen, iron powder, AC/DC+ use |
Prime includes AWS classification charts with every rod shipment, especially for code-based structural and industrial welding.
What is the difference between ER and E welding rod?
They serve different processes.
“E” is for stick electrodes (SMAW), while “ER” stands for “Electrode Rod” or “Electrode/ Rod” in MIG/TIG processes—used as filler wire.
A U.S. auto frame fabricator once ordered ER70S-6 wire instead of E7018. We quickly clarified the difference and replaced it with the correct SMAW electrodes.
E vs. ER Comparison
| Code | Welding Process | Example | Use Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | Stick (SMAW) | E7018, E6011 | Covered electrode |
| ER | MIG or TIG (GMAW/GTAW) | ER70S-6, ER316L | Bare filler wire |
Prime supplies both ER wire spools and E stick rods, depending on whether our clients run MIG, TIG, or Stick setups.
What do the letters on a welding rod mean?
They decode the electrode’s job.
The letters in a welding rod designation tell you whether it’s an electrode, a rod, or wire—and help identify which process it’s meant for.
For example, E7014 is a stick electrode, while ER308L is a TIG/MIG filler wire for stainless steel. Knowing the prefix helps avoid mismatches between rods and welding machines.
Common Welding Rod Prefixes
| Prefix | Meaning | Process |
|---|---|---|
| E | Electrode (Stick) | SMAW |
| ER | Electrode Rod (Wire) | GMAW, GTAW (MIG/TIG) |
| R | Rod (No current needed) | Oxy-fuel welding |
At Prime, we assist clients with rod code interpretation, especially during cross-process builds involving MIG, TIG, and Stick in one assembly.
What is the last digit of the welding rod?
It tells you how the rod performs.
The last digit in a welding rod number indicates the type of flux coating and what current it can run on—like AC, DC, or both.
We had a training center in Europe use a chart showing the last digit for each rod. It helped new welders immediately understand which rods fit their machines and use cases.
Last Digit Key (Examples)
| Last Digit | Coating Type | Power Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | High cellulose sodium | DC only | Deep penetration, 6010 |
| 1 | High cellulose potassium | AC/DC | Versatile, 6011 |
| 4 | Rutile iron powder | AC/DC | High fill rate, 7014 |
| 8 | Low hydrogen iron powder | AC/DC+ | Structural, crack-resistant, 7018 |
Prime provides weld setup guides with rod classification tables in all our training and industrial welding kits, helping teams learn fast and weld better.
Conclusion
The “E” means electrode—but the whole code gives you a roadmap to rod strength, position, and current compatibility.
Need help decoding rod labels or selecting the right consumables? Contact Prime now through our website. We provide ISO-certified rods, expert consultation, and fast global delivery—trusted by welders worldwide.
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