993823 - ESAB ST-16 Replacement Liner .045-1/16

Technical Overview of the ESAB 993823 MIG Gun Liner

The ESAB 993823 is a specialized replacement liner designed specifically for the ST-16 series of MIG welding guns. This component is critical for the proper operation of wire feeding systems, acting as the primary conduit through which the welding electrode travels from the wire feeder to the contact tip. It is engineered to accommodate a specific range of wire diameters, specifically 0.045 inches (1.2 mm) to 1/16 inches (1.6 mm). This range covers medium to heavy-duty industrial welding applications where structural integrity and deposition rates are paramount.

Constructed from high-tensile steel wound into a tight coil, the liner provides the necessary flexibility to navigate the curvature of the MIG gun cable while maintaining enough rigidity to prevent collapsing or kinking under the column strength of the pushed wire. The internal surface finish is optimized to minimize the coefficient of friction against the welding wire. This reduction in friction is essential for maintaining a consistent wire feed speed (WFS), which directly correlates to arc stability and weld bead consistency. Inconsistent feeding caused by a worn or incorrect liner can lead to burn-back, bird-nesting at the drive rolls, and porosity in the weld metal.

The ESAB 993823 is manufactured to meet OEM specifications for the ST-16 platform, ensuring seamless compatibility and ease of installation. Proper maintenance of the liner includes regular cleaning with compressed air to remove metal shavings and shop dust that can accumulate inside the coil. However, liners are consumable items and eventually wear out due to the mechanical abrasion of the wire. Replacing the liner with this genuine ESAB part restores the gun's performance to factory standards. It is supplied in a standard length that typically requires trimming at the back end or front end during installation to match the exact length of the torch cable assembly being serviced.

Industrial procurement specialists should note that using the correct liner size is non-negotiable. Using a liner too large for the wire can cause the wire to snake inside the tube, leading to erratic arc wandering. Conversely, a liner that is too tight will cause excessive drag and motor strain. The 993823 is precision-sized for the .045" to 1/16" bracket, making it the correct specification for setups utilizing these common structural wire sizes.