340P161262 - Tweco M8 x 30mm Contact Tip for 1.6mm (1/16") Wire

Technical Overview: Tweco M8 x 30 Contact Tip (1.6mm)

The Tweco/ESAB M8 x 30 Contact Tip (SKU: 340P161262) is a precision-engineered consumable designed for industrial MIG welding applications utilizing 1.6mm (1/16") diameter wire. Manufactured to exacting tolerances, this contact tip features a standard M8 thread pitch, making it compatible with a broad spectrum of ESAB and Tweco MIG guns, particularly those adhering to European standard dimensions or specific heavy-duty PSF series configurations. The tip has an overall length of 30mm, a critical dimension for maintaining the correct stick-out and nozzle relationship in standard gas diffuser setups.

Material composition is a key factor in the performance of this component. Crafted from a high-conductivity copper alloy, the tip is designed to facilitate efficient electrical transfer from the welding gun's conductor tube to the welding wire. This low-resistance connection is vital for maintaining a stable arc, especially at the higher amperages typically associated with 1.6mm wire applications. The alloy also provides necessary hardness to resist the abrasive wear caused by the continuous sliding of the wire, extending the service life of the tip before keyholing (ovalization of the bore) occurs.

The internal bore is machined with a specific clearance to accommodate 1.6mm solid or flux-cored wires. This tolerance is tight enough to ensure consistent electrical contact—preventing micro-arcing inside the tip which can cause burn-back—yet loose enough to allow for thermal expansion of the tip and slight irregularities in the wire without causing jamming. For maintenance and repair operations (MRO), using genuine OEM parts like this Tweco tip ensures that the welding parameters remain consistent and that the equipment operates within its designed specifications. This tip is an essential stock item for fabrication shops running heavy fabrication cycles with 1/16" wire.