KP2117-1 - Lincoln Electric Outgoing Guide Tube for .030-.035 Wire (MAXtrac)

Precision Wire Alignment for MAXtrac Systems

The Lincoln Electric KP2117-1 is a specialized outgoing guide tube designed specifically for the MAXtrac wire drive system found on premium Lincoln Electric wire feeders and integrated welding power sources. This component plays a critical role in the tribology of the wire feeding process, serving as the final alignment stage before the welding wire enters the gun receiver bushing. Engineered to strict OEM tolerances, this guide tube is calibrated for solid welding wires ranging from 0.030 inches to 0.035 inches (0.8 mm to 0.9 mm).

In any wire feeding setup, the transition from the drive rolls to the conduit is a vulnerability point where unsupported wire can buckle under compression—a phenomenon commonly known as birdnesting. The KP2117-1 minimizes this unsupported length, providing a rigid, low-friction channel that supports the wire column. The internal bore is precision-honed to prevent drag while maintaining tight enough clearance to ensure the wire travels in a straight line. This is particularly important when using smaller diameter wires like .030, which lack the column strength of larger wires and are more prone to deflection.

Constructed from hardened steel, the KP2117-1 resists the grooving and wear patterns that eventually develop from the continuous friction of steel wire. A worn guide tube can develop a keyhole shape or burrs that shave the wire, leading to liner clogging and erratic arc characteristics. By replacing the guide tube at regular maintenance intervals, operators ensure consistent electrical stick-out and arc stability. This part is compatible with a wide range of Lincoln Electric equipment utilizing the MAXtrac assembly, including the LF-72, LN-25 PRO, and Power Feed series.

For industrial MRO managers and welding engineers, specifying genuine Lincoln Electric parts like the KP2117-1 guarantees that the wire drive system operates within its designed parameters. Generic replacements may lack the precise chamfering and bore concentricity required for high-speed robotic or semi-automatic applications, leading to increased downtime and troubleshooting.