E9018-B3 Welding Electrode Supplier in Mumbai, India
Nicorex Alloys, an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified supplier and stockist based in Mumbai, supplies E9018-B3 welding electrodes across all standard diameters from ready warehouse stock. We provide these electrodes according to the AWS A5.5 and ASME SFA 5.5standards, to assure product quality.
E9018-B3 is a low-hydrogen, iron-powder, basic-coated SMAW electrode classified under AWS A5.5 and ASME SFA 5.5. Also referred to as 9018-B3 welding rod, 2.25Cr-1Mo electrode or chrome-moly electrode, it deposits weld metal containing Cr 2.00-2.50%, Mo 0.90-1.20%, and C 0.05-0.12%. 2.25Cr-1Mo weld deposits made with this electrode sustain continuous creep service at temperatures up to 575°C. After PWHT at 690°C for 1 hour, the all-weld-metal delivers UTS ≥620 MPa (90 ksi), YS ≥530 MPa (77 ksi), elongation ≥17%, and Charpy impact of 70 J at 20°C. Creep rupture strength reaches 12 kgf/mm² at 550°C (1% offset in 10,000 hours).
Available diameters range from 2.5 mm to 6.3 mm, with electrode lengths between 350 mm and 450 mm. Polarity is DCEP or AC (minimum 70 V OCV), with all-position welding except vertical-down. E9018-B3 joins ASME P-5A Group 1 base metals including A335 P22, A213 T22, A387 Gr.22 and A217 WC9, plus dissimilar joints to P-4 and P-1 steels. Compliance covers AWS A5.5, ASME SFA 5.5, EN ISO 3580-A (E CrMo2 B 4 2 H5), and JIS Z3223 DT2418. Thermal power, oil refining, petrochemical and fertiliser are a few industries that use this welding rod.
E9018 B3 Welding Rod Specifications & Technical Data
| AWS Classification | E9018-B3 |
|---|---|
| ASME SFA Specification | SFA 5.5 |
| UNS Number | W53018 |
| Welding Process | SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding / Stick) |
| Electrode Coating Type | Basic (low-hydrogen), potassium with iron powder |
| Polarity / Current | DCEP or AC (min 70 V OCV for AC) |
| Welding Positions | All positions except vertical-down |
| Available Diameters (mm) | 2.5, 3.15, 4.0, 5.0, 6.3 |
| Electrode Lengths | 350 mm (2.5–4.0 mm) / 450 mm (5.0–6.3 mm) |
Understanding the AWS E9018 B3 Electrode Designation
| Designator | Technical Meaning |
|---|---|
| E | Electrode (consumable for SMAW process) |
| 90 | Minimum tensile strength: 90,000 psi (620 MPa) |
| 1 | All-position welding: flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead |
| 8 | Low-hydrogen potassium coating with iron powder; AC and DCEP |
| B3 | Alloy suffix: 2.25% Chromium, 1% Molybdenum weld deposit |
Chemical Composition of E9018-B3 Weld Deposit (%)
| Element | Carbon (C) | Manganese (Mn) | Silicon (Si) | Chromium (Cr) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Phosphorus (P) | Sulfur (S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS A5.5 Range | 0.05–0.12% | 0.90% max | 0.80% max | 2.00–2.50% | 0.90–1.20% | 0.03% max | 0.03% max |
Mechanical Properties of E9018-B3 All-Weld-Metal
| Property | Tensile Strength (UTS) | Yield Strength (0.2%) | Elongation (L = 5d) | CVN Impact at 20°C | Creep Rupture, 550°C (10,000 hrs) | Creep Rupture, 575°C (10,000 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS A5.5 Minimum | ≥620 MPa (90 ksi) | ≥530 MPa (77 ksi) | ≥17% | Not required by AWS | — | — |
Base Metal Compatibility & P-Number Matrix for E9018-B3
| ASME P-No. | ASTM Grades | Product Forms |
|---|---|---|
| P-5A Group 1 | A335 P22 | Seamless pipe |
| P-5A Group 1 | A213 T22 | Boiler/superheater tube |
| P-5A Group 1 | A182 F22, A336 F22 | Forged fittings, flanges, heavy forgings |
| P-5A Group 1 | A387 Gr.22 Cl.1/2 | Pressure vessel plate |
| P-5A Group 1 | A217 WC9 | Castings |
| P-5A Group 1 | A369 FP22, A426 CP22 | Forged/centrifugally cast pipe |
| Joint Combination | Recommended Filler | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P-5A to P-4 (P22 to P11/P12) | E9018-B3 | Matches the higher-alloy side |
| P-5A to P-3 (P22 to 0.5Cr-0.5Mo) | E9018-B3 | Overmatches the lower-alloy side |
| P-5A to P-1 (P22 to carbon steel) | E9018-B3 | Prevents carbon migration at the weld interface |
E9018-B3 is better than E7018 for P22 to carbon steel dissimilar joints because it matches the higher-alloy side and stops carbon from moving at the weld interface during PWHT.
Recommended Welding Parameters for E9018-B3
| Diameter (mm) | Diameter (in) | Length (mm) | Current Range (A) | Optimum (A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 3/32″ | 350 | 60–100 | ~80 |
| 3.15 | 1/8″ | 350 | 90–160 | ~135 |
| 4.0 | 5/32″ | 350–450 | 130–220 | ~170 |
| 5.0 | 3/16″ | 450 | 190–300 | ~250 |
| 6.3 | 1/4″ | 450 | 260–320 | ~290 |
For vertical-up and overhead welding, reduce current by about 15%, keep a short arc, and use stringer beads. Avoid weaving to limit dilution. Preheat to 150–250°C based on thickness, and keep interpass temperature between 150–300°C maximum.
PWHT: Heat to 690°C ± 15°C for at least 1 hour per inch of thickness. After PWHT, ensure hardness meets the required code limits for P-5A Group 1 materials.
Get AWS Class E9018-B3 Welding Electrode at Competitive Prices
Industrial Welding Applications of E9018-B3 Electrode
- Thermal Power Generation: E9018-B3 welds 2.25Cr-1Mo (ASTM A335 P22 / A387 Gr.22) components. Used for main steam and superheater piping, nozzle-to-shell joints, and tube-to-header welds.
- Petroleum Refining / Hydroprocessing: Applied in hydrocrackers, hydrotreaters and related high-pressure circuits. Provides creep resistance and protection against high-temperature hydrogen attack.
- Petrochemical / Fertiliser: Ammonia synthesis loop piping and methanol converter shells often use P22 steel for high-temperature hydrogen service. E9018-B3 electrodes weld butt joints and branch connections in fertiliser urea plants safely and reliably.
- Pressure Vessel Fabrication & Heavy Plate Welding: These plates are used for reactor pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and separator drums, per ASME Section VIII.
Storage, Handling & Re-Drying Procedures for E9018-B3
E9018-B3 deposits a martensitic 2.25Cr-1Mo weld metal that is highly susceptible to hydrogen-induced cracking. Proper electrode storage is critical.
Store unopened containers in a dry, temperature-controlled environment off the floor. After opening, transfer electrodes to a holding oven at 110-175°C (230-350°F).
Maximum re-drying cycles is typically 3 (project specifications may limit to 2). Per AWS D1.1, E90xx class electrodes must not be exposed to ambient air for more than 4 hours unless an H4R designation applies. Vacuum-sealed packaging allows direct use from the tin for up to 8 hours.
How to Order E9018-B3 Electrodes from Nicorex Alloys
-
AWS Classification - E9018-B3 or E9018-B3L (low-carbon variant)
-
Electrode Diameter(s) - 2.5, 3.15, 4.0, 5.0, 6.3 mm
-
Quantity - In kg or number of sealed cans
-
Packaging - Hermetically sealed cans or vacuum-packed
-
Third-Party Approvals - DNV, ABS, Bureau Veritas, Lloyds, CE (specify all required)
-
Preferred Manufacturer - Böhler, ESAB, Lincoln, D&H Secheron, Ador, etc.
-
Test Certificate - MTC 3.1 per EN 10204 supplied as standard
-
Matching Consumable Set - ER90S-B3 TIG rod or SAW flux/wire for the same project
- Delivery Address & Timeline - Delivery address & timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Can E9018-B3 Electrode Weld P11 (1.25Cr-0.5Mo) to P22 (2.25Cr-1Mo) dissimilar joints?
What materials can be welded with E9018-B3 Electrodes?
What is the advantage of Low-Hydrogen E9018-B3 Electrodes?
Is Preheating required for E9018-B3 Welding?
Yes, the recommended range for P22 base metal is 150-250°C, depending on wall thickness and carbon equivalent. Apply 200–250°C for sections above 25 mm. Do not allow the weldment to cool below 150°C between passes.
What Welding Positions can E9018-B3 Electrodes be used in?
When not to use E9018-B3 Welding Electrode?
Do not weld P91 (9Cr-1Mo-V-Nb) with E9018-B3. It produces a severely under-alloyed deposit lacking V, Nb and N, harming creep performance. Use E9015-B9 or E9018-B91. For continuous service above 575°C, specify E8018-B6 or E8018-B8. Never omit PWHT. Do not weld vertical-down.