A technician is welding a heavy section of mild steel with a 12mm fillet weld using SMAW. They grab an E7018 electrode. What is the approximate minimum tensile strength of the deposited weld metal required by the '70' in its classification?

Question: A technician is welding a heavy section of mild steel with a 12mm fillet weld using SMAW. They grab an E7018 electrode. What is the approximate minimum tensile strength of the deposited weld metal required by the '70' in its classification?

Answer options:

• 60,000 psi (414 MPa) ✅ 70,000 psi (483 MPa)
• 80,000 psi (552 MPa)
• 90,000 psi (620 MPa)

Correct answer: 70,000 psi (483 MPa)

Explanation: In AWS/CSA electrode classification (e.g., E7018), the first two digits (or three for 5-digit numbers) indicate the minimum tensile strength in thousands of pounds per square inch (psi). Thus, '70' means a minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi, which converts to approximately 483 MPa.