XL-18 is easily weldable and gives good slag removal. Recovery is 115%. The weld metal is work-hardening, largely resistant to rust and corrosion and resists scaling up to 1560°F (850°C).
XL-18 suited for particularly tough, crack and wear-resistant joint and surfacing on steels of higher tensile strength like St.60, St.70 and hard-manganese steel, as well as for joining high alloy steels with low-alloy and non-alloy materials. Such applications occur primarily on construction machinery and equipment. XL-18 is strongly recommended for elastic inter-passes under hardfacing exposed to impact loads.