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Brand: Selectarc
Selectarc B81 E8018-C3 1% Ni Low-Temperature Electrode
Description
Basic 1% nickel electrode for cold-tough steels
The Selectarc B81 is a low-hydrogen basic coated electrode alloyed with about 1% nickel. It is designed for high-strength steels that must keep their toughness at low temperature, down to -60 °C according to the manufacturer, and it is classified AWS A5.5 E8018-C3 H4R and ISO 2560-A / EN 499 E 46 5 1Ni B 4 2 H5.
The H4R and H5 designations mean very low diffusible hydrogen and moisture-resistant coating, which reduces the risk of hydrogen-induced cold cracking in higher-strength or restrained joints. Selectarc mentions regular fusion and a good bead appearance.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / product | Selectarc / B81 |
| Process | SMAW (manual metal arc) |
| AWS classification | A5.5 E8018-C3 H4R |
| ISO / EN classification | ISO 2560-A and EN 499 E 46 5 1Ni B 4 2 H5 |
| Coating | Basic, low hydrogen |
| Typical weld metal, % | C under 0.12, Si 0.5, Mn 1.1, Ni 1.0, P under 0.025, S under 0.025, Fe remainder |
| Yield strength Re | Above 470 MPa |
| Tensile strength Rm | Above 550 MPa |
| Elongation A5 | Above 24% |
| Impact energy KV | Above 70 J at -40 °C; above 47 J at -50 °C |
| Sizes and typical current | 2.5 × 350 mm, 80 A; 3.2 × 350 mm, 115 A; 4.0 × 450 mm, 150 A; 5.0 × 450 mm, 190 A |
| Current type | DC, electrode positive |
| Redrying | 2 h at 350 °C if necessary |
| Preheat / interpass | Preheat about 100 °C where needed; interpass below 250 °C |
| Stress relief | 550 °C for 1–2 h (advised) |
Steels and applications
B81 targets fine-grain structural and pressure vessel steels used in cold conditions. The European grades listed include S355, P355, P235GH to P355GH, L210 to L415 line pipe steels and S/P460. Listed ASTM materials include A302 Gr A to D, A350 LF1 and LF2, A537, A572 Gr 60 and 65, A633 Gr A and B, A607 and A714.
In practice, E8018-C3 is a common choice for low-temperature carbon steel piping and fittings (A333 Gr 6 pipe, A350 LF2 forgings) in gas processing, LPG handling and offshore structures, where the specification calls for Charpy testing at -40 °C or -46 °C. The 1% nickel addition improves toughness without the hardenability penalty of higher nickel grades, so the electrode suits general low-temperature piping and vessel work as well as structural steel that must meet low-temperature impact requirements.
Preheat, interpass and heat treatment
Redry the electrodes at 350 °C for 2 hours if they have been exposed to humidity. Selectarc suggests an optional preheat of about 100 °C on the joint, with the interpass temperature kept below 250 °C. Where a thermal stress relief is required, the data sheet advises 550 °C for 1 to 2 hours.
Preheat should always be set from the carbon equivalent, thickness and restraint of the actual joint. Low-temperature toughness also depends on heat input: thin stringer beads and controlled interpass temperature give a finer weld metal structure and better Charpy values than wide weave beads. Keep opened electrodes in a heated quiver on site to preserve the low hydrogen level.
Documents and quotation
The Selectarc B81 data sheet can be downloaded from this page. More grades are listed in our Welding Electrodes category.
For a quotation, send diameters, quantities and certificate requirements.
Datasheets & Documents
- Datasheet Selectarc B81 technical data sheet (EN) Download
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About brand
Selectarc is a French manufacturer of welding and brazing filler metals, headquartered in Grandvillars, France. Its welding activity began in 1952 with Selectarc Industrie, a plant making covered electrodes, and the business is the welding and brazing division of the family group Viellard Migeon & Compagnie. In 2025 Framatome took a 40% stake in the company.
Selectarc welding and brazing products
The welding range covers covered electrodes for carbon, low-alloy, stainless and nickel-base steels, MIG and TIG wires, flux-cored wires and hardfacing products, with brazing alloys made at the former Reboud-Roche foundry. Selectarc lists the nuclear, defence and aerospace industries among its key markets, and welding production is concentrated at its Grandvillars site, which also houses the research laboratory.
Ordering Selectarc filler metals: what we need
Give the product name, for example Selectarc Ni625, and the AWS or ISO classification in your procedure, the diameter and length, and the quantity. Seven Star LLC, an independent supplier in Muscat, checks the grade against the Selectarc technical data sheet and can provide the data sheet and the certificates issued with the order on request.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the classification of Selectarc B81?
AWS A5.5 E8018-C3 H4R and ISO 2560-A / EN 499 E 46 5 1Ni B 4 2 H5.
What impact toughness does it give?
Above 70 J at -40 °C and above 47 J at -50 °C.
Which ASTM steels are listed?
Among others A302 Gr A to D, A350 LF1 and LF2, A537, A572 Gr 60 and 65, A633 Gr A and B.
What current is used?
DC electrode positive; about 80 A for 2.5 mm up to 190 A for 5.0 mm.
Is stress relieving recommended?
Selectarc advises a stress relief at 550 °C for 1–2 hours where required.
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