Atom Arc® is one of the most trusted names in welding among U.S. ship builders. Atom Arc welds can be found on all types of ships from U.S. Navy destroyers and nuclear subs to common barges and tugboats. Atom Arc is used for everything from simple tacking operations to full production welds. Ship builders appreciate Atom Arc’s superior welding performance, tough mechanical properties, crack resistance, tremendous operator appeal and consistent quality. They know that welds made with Atom Arc low hydrogen electrodes can be trusted to pass x-ray inspection and any other test specification they might encounter.

The original iron powder low hydrogen stick electrode, Atom Arc 7018 has set the standard for 50 years for welding carbon and low alloy steels. Atom Arc offers smooth weld metal transfer over a wide operating range, ensuring minimal post-weld clean up. Atom Arc creates an excellent bead shape with little spatter, and its complete slag coverage facilitates quick removal. A number of additional formulations are available for special applications, high tensile steels, low temperature environments, and Chromium-Molybdenum alloys.

Moisture resistant coatings are incorporated in all Atom Arc electrodes. These flux coatings are manufactured to effectively resist moisture and provide an extra degree of reliability, particularly for electrodes exposed to high humidity environments. Atom Arc meets AWS A5.1 and A5.5 specifications as well as military requirements for moisture control.

Atom Arc is backed by ESAB’s incomparable technical support. With 100 years experience in welding, ESAB can help you solve any welding problem. This technical expertise is one reason why ESAB is one of few welding vendors to receive vendor approval from the U.S. Navy.


AWS A5.1, ASME SFA 5.1
Military – MIL-E-22200/1, MIL 7018
ABS – AWS A5.1, 2Y
Det Norske Veritas – 3YHH
Lloyds – 3-3YH
CWB-CSA W48.1, E48018

For shipbuilding or simple day-to-day welding projects, Atom Arc is the stick electrode of choice for professional welders.