Mechanical decoder
Welding Rod Decoder
Decode common AWS electrode and filler markings such as E7018, E6013, ER70S-6, and E71T-1.
Inputs
Results
- Decoded result
- Waiting for input
- Confidence
- Waiting for input
Segment breakdown
Matched fields
Use the decoder above to read an AWS electrode or filler marking. Enter the classification exactly as printed: prefix letters, strength digits, position digit, and usability suffix. The tool splits process, strength, position, and coating into separate fields.
Reference Table
| Input | Decoded result |
|---|---|
| E7018 | Stick electrode, 70 ksi tensile, all-position, low-hydrogen coating |
| E6013 | Stick electrode, 60 ksi tensile, all-position, rutile coating |
| ER70S-6 | TIG/MIG wire, 70 ksi, solid wire for carbon steel |
| E71T-1 | Flux-cored wire, 71 ksi class, gas-shielded |
Code Structure
| Segment | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Prefix (E, ER) | E is electrode; ER is electrode-or-rod usable as filler wire. |
| Strength digits (70, 60) | Minimum tensile strength in ksi x 1000. |
| Position digit | Welding positions the electrode supports. |
| Suffix (-8, -6, -1) | Coating, chemistry, or shielding-gas usability class. |
How To Decode
- Enter the classification exactly as printed, keeping prefix, digits, and suffix together.
- Read process and strength first, then position and usability suffix.
- Confirm diameter, polarity, shielding gas, and the WPS before any structural weld.
Sources And Limits
AWS filler metal classification patterns and manufacturer electrode data sheets; verified 2026-08-26. The classification alone never confirms procedure, preheat, inspection, or weld acceptance.
Decode logic
- Identify the process system first: E-prefix SMAW stick electrodes, ER-prefix solid wire, or E-T flux-cored wire.
- For SMAW codes such as E7018, read 70 as the 70 ksi tensile class, the next digit as position, and the last digits as coating/current family.
- For ER70S-6, read ER as electrode/rod, 70 as ksi class, S as solid wire, and 6 as the deoxidizer family; for E71T-1, read T as tubular flux-cored, never as a stick electrode.
- Use the decoded classification as a marking aid only and qualify the weld with the WPS, shielding gas, base metal, and procedure test.
FAQs
What do the digits in E7018 mean?
E marks electrode, 70 is the 70 ksi tensile class, 1 is all-position, and 8 is the low-hydrogen iron powder family. Storage and baking rules still apply.
What do the R and S mean in ER70S-6?
ER marks electrode or rod filler metal and S marks solid wire; 70 is the ksi class and 6 the deoxidizer family. Confirm shielding gas on the data sheet.
What does the T mean in E71T-1?
T marks tubular flux-cored wire, a different system from covered SMAW electrodes. Do not decode E71T-1 with stick-electrode rules.
Can E6013 replace E7018?
Not on marking alone. They differ in tensile class and coating family; the WPS, base metal, and inspection requirements decide substitution.