36886 - ESAB 3/64 Notched Aluminum Contact Tip (Pack of 5)

Precision Contact Tips for Aluminum Welding Applications

The ESAB 36886 Contact Tip is a specialized consumable designed specifically to address the unique challenges of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) with aluminum filler metals. Unlike standard smooth-bore tips used for steel, this contact tip features a notched internal geometry. This design is critical for aluminum welding because aluminum wire rapidly develops a refractory oxide surface layer that is electrically insulating. Standard tips often fail to penetrate this layer effectively, resulting in fluctuating voltage, unstable arcs, and excessive heat generation within the tip itself.

By incorporating a notched or serrated bore, the ESAB 36886 mechanically abrades the wire surface as it passes through the tip. This action ensures positive electrical contact between the copper tip and the aluminum core of the wire, facilitating efficient current transfer. The result is a stable arc, reduced resistance heating, and a significant decrease in the occurrence of burn-backs—a common and costly issue in aluminum fabrication.

These tips are sized for 3/64" (1.2mm) wire, a standard diameter for industrial aluminum welding in shipbuilding, trailer manufacturing, and automotive applications. They are manufactured to precise tolerances to prevent wire shaving, which can clog liners and drive rolls. Designed for compatibility with classic ESAB and L-Tec MIG guns such as the ST-23A, ST-16, and MT series, these tips are an essential component for maintaining high-quality weld output in aluminum production environments.

Supplied in a pack of 5, these consumables offer professional fabricators a reliable solution for maintaining equipment uptime and weld quality. Proper selection of contact tips based on wire type is a fundamental aspect of welding procedure specification (WPS) adherence, and the ESAB 36886 is the correct choice for 3/64" aluminum wire setups utilizing compatible ESAB torch systems.