17157 - ESAB MT Series Contact Tube 1/16 Inch (Pack of 5)

Precision Contact Consumables for Industrial MIG Systems

The ESAB 17157 Contact Tube is a critical consumable component engineered for the MT Series of MIG welding guns. Designed to accommodate 1/16-inch (1.6mm) welding wire, this contact tube plays a pivotal role in the transfer of welding current to the electrode. Manufactured from high-grade copper alloy, it offers excellent electrical conductivity and thermal dissipation properties, which are essential for maintaining arc stability during prolonged welding operations.

In industrial welding environments, the interface between the contact tip and the wire is subject to intense heat and mechanical friction. The ESAB 17157 is machined to tight tolerances to ensure a consistent electrical contact point while minimizing friction that could lead to wire feeding issues. The bore geometry is optimized to reduce micro-arcing inside the tip, a common cause of premature failure and "burnback." This attention to dimensional accuracy ensures that the welding parameter output remains constant, contributing to high-quality weld deposition.

This product is supplied in a pack of five, facilitating efficient inventory management for high-volume fabrication shops. It is compatible with standard MT Series gas diffusers and is suitable for use with various wire types, including solid mild steel and flux-cored wires, provided the diameter matches the 1/16-inch specification. Regular replacement of contact tubes is recommended to prevent keyholing—the ovalization of the tip bore—which can lead to wandering arcs and poor bead placement.