690514 - ESAB Steel MIG Liner for 0.045-1/16 Wire

Technical Overview of the ESAB 690514 Liner Spring

The ESAB 690514 Liner Spring is a critical component in the wire feeding tribology of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) systems. Designed specifically to accommodate wire diameters ranging from 0.045 inches (1.2 mm) to 1/16 inches (1.6 mm), this liner acts as the primary conduit for the consumable electrode as it travels from the wire feeder drive rolls through the cable assembly to the contact tip. The liner is constructed from high-grade spring steel, wound in a tight spiral configuration. This geometry provides the necessary flexibility to navigate the curvature of the MIG gun cable while maintaining a rigid cross-sectional profile that resists collapsing or kinking under the compressive forces of the wire column.

In industrial welding applications, the internal surface condition of the liner is paramount. Over time, liners accumulate micro-shavings, drawing lubricants, and environmental debris, which increase the coefficient of friction between the wire and the liner wall. This ESAB replacement part restores the low-friction environment required for consistent wire feed speeds (WFS). By matching the internal diameter of the liner to the specific 0.045"-1/16" wire range, ESAB ensures that the wire is adequately supported to prevent buckling (which leads to bird-nesting at the feeder) while avoiding excessive clearance that could cause erratic arc wandering. The steel composition is suitable for mild steel and flux-cored wires; however, for aluminum applications, a polymer or Teflon liner would typically be specified instead to prevent shaving generation.

Proper installation of the 690514 involves measuring the gun cable length and trimming the liner to the precise stick-out required by the specific ESAB gun model (often the PSF series or similar). Failure to seat the liner correctly against the gas diffuser or the power pin can result in gas leakage or arc instability. This OEM component ensures dimensional accuracy for a perfect seal and optimal electrical transfer efficiency.