TROY, Ohio. March 25, 2008-For general purpose, low-hydrogen welding applications,Hobart Brothers offers the Hobart^® 418 (AWS E7018-1 H4R), a stick electrode with several distinct features that will help improve weld quality and productivity. The Hobart 418 electrode provides excellent arc starts and restarts, produces a virtually spatter-free arc, and creates a flat weld bead profile with a fine rippled finished appearance. To minimize post-weld cleaning, the Hobart 418 features an easily removable slag that in many cases is self-peeling.

The Hobart 418 electrode provides excellent penetration and a weld puddle that washes into the sidewalls with no undercutting, both benefits that minimize costly rework. The Hobart 418 also has the ability to weld smoothly on moderately dirty or rusty materials.

This electrode is an ideal choice for conditions of high heat and humidity due to its low moisture absorbing characteristics. In low temperature applications, the Hobart 418 provides extremely high impact properties at temperatures as low as negative 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows for its AWS E7018-1 designation.

Hobart Brothers offers the electrode in 10- and 50-lb. hermetically-sealed cans and 5- and 10-lb. P-Paks (plastic re-sealable containers).

Hobart Brothers is dedicated to the highest level of Performance Welding™. For product specification sheets or to learn more about Hobart Brothers products, visit hobartbrothers.com, email hobart@hobartbrothers.com, call 1-800-424-1543, fax 1-800-541-6607, or write Hobart Brothers Company, 101 Trade Square East, Troy, OH 45373.

Hobart Brothers Company of Troy, Ohio, is a leading manufacturer of welding filler metals marketed under the brand names Hobart, Tri-Mark, McKay and Corex. Hobart Brothers Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works, Inc. based in Glenview, Ill. ITW is a multinational manufacturer of a diversified range of value-adding and short-lead-time industrial products and equipment.