KP3162-3B1 - Lincoln Electric KP3162-3B1 Extended Life Subarc Contact Tip 3/32 in (10-Pack)

High-Performance Submerged Arc Consumables

The Lincoln Electric KP3162-3B1 is a premium contact tip designed explicitly for the rigorous demands of submerged arc welding. Engineered to fit the K231-1 and K231-2 series submerged arc torches, this component is a critical element in maintaining process stability and weld quality. Submerged arc welding (SAW) typically involves high deposition rates and prolonged arc-on times, generating substantial heat that can rapidly degrade standard copper consumables. To address this, Lincoln Electric utilizes a specialized Copper Chrome Zirconium alloy for the KP3162-3B1.

Material Science and Durability

The inclusion of chromium and zirconium in the copper matrix significantly elevates the softening temperature of the contact tip. While standard copper tips may soften and deform (keyhole) under the intense thermal cycling of high-amperage SAW applications, the KP3162-3B1 retains its structural integrity and bore precision. This resistance to deformation ensures that the electrical contact point with the 3/32-inch (2.4 mm) wire remains consistent, preventing micro-arcing inside the tip and ensuring smooth current transfer to the workpiece.

Compatibility and Specifications

This contact tip is precision-machined to accommodate 3/32-inch (2.4 mm) solid or flux-cored wires used in submerged arc processes. It is the direct replacement part for the K231-1 and K231-2 torch assemblies, ensuring a perfect thread fit and optimal thermal conductivity between the torch body and the tip. The product is supplied in a pack of 10, allowing industrial facilities to maintain adequate stock for continuous production lines. By choosing genuine Lincoln Electric consumables, operators ensure that their equipment performs to factory specifications, minimizing troubleshooting time related to feedability issues.

Operational Efficiency

In automated or semi-automated environments, downtime for consumable changes directly impacts throughput. The "Extended Life" designation of the KP3162-3B1 refers to its ability to outlast standard tips, thereby increasing the arc-on time ratio. For industries such as pipe mills, pressure vessel fabrication, and structural steel manufacturing, this durability translates to measurable productivity gains.