KP3162-5B1 - Lincoln Electric Extended Life Subarc Contact Tip 7/32 in - 10 Pack

High-Performance Submerged Arc Consumables

The Lincoln Electric KP3162-5B1 Contact Tip is a premium consumable engineered specifically for the rigorous demands of Submerged Arc Welding (SAW). In industrial environments where deposition rates are high and arc-on time is critical, the integrity of the contact tip plays a pivotal role in process stability. This specific model is designed to accommodate 7/32-inch (approximately 5.6 mm) welding wire, a heavy-gauge consumable often used for structural steel, pipe fabrication, and pressure vessel manufacturing.

What sets the KP3162-5B1 apart is its "Extended Life" designation. Submerged arc welding typically operates at much higher amperages than standard MIG processes, generating intense heat that can rapidly degrade standard copper tips. As a tip wears, the bore becomes oval-shaped ("keyholing"), leading to poor electrical conductivity, micro-arcing inside the tip, and an unstable arc at the workpiece. Lincoln Electric has manufactured these tips using high-grade copper alloys and precision machining techniques to resist this thermal and mechanical erosion. The result is a contact tip that maintains its dimensional accuracy for longer periods, ensuring consistent current transfer to the wire.

Reliability in the contact tip is essential for maintaining weld quality. A worn tip can cause the wire to wander, leading to lack of fusion or bead placement errors, particularly in automated setups. By choosing the KP3162-5B1, operators ensure a tight tolerance fit with the wire, promoting smooth feeding and uniform bead profiles. This pack contains 10 contact tips, providing a cost-effective solution for high-volume fabrication shops looking to minimize downtime associated with consumable changeovers.

Whether utilized in single-wire or multi-wire tandem arc configurations, these tips integrate seamlessly with compatible Lincoln Electric subarc guns and torch assemblies. They represent a critical component in the welding circuit, ensuring that the power source's output is effectively delivered to the weld joint for deep penetration and superior mechanical properties.