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316L04510 - ER316L Stainless MIG Wire .045" 10lb Spool

Packaging: 10 lb spool
$15.78/lb $98.60/10 lb spool only $9.86/lbSave 38%

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OVERVIEW

Technical Overview of ER316L Stainless Steel MIG Wire

The Central Wire ER316L is a premium quality solid MIG welding wire designed for joining austenitic stainless steels of the 316 and 316L types. This consumable is manufactured to meet rigorous AWS A5.9 specifications, ensuring consistent chemistry and mechanical properties. The alloy composition includes approximately 18.5% chromium, 12.5% nickel, and 2.5% molybdenum. The addition of molybdenum significantly enhances the weld metal's resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, particularly in chloride-containing environments.

A key feature of this wire is its "Low Carbon" (L) designation, with a maximum carbon content of 0.03%. This controlled chemistry is critical for preventing sensitization—the formation of chromium carbides at grain boundaries—which can lead to intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone. Consequently, this wire is suitable for applications where the weldment will be used in as-welded conditions without post-weld heat treatment.

The 0.045-inch (1.2mm) diameter is optimized for medium-to-heavy gauge fabrication, allowing for higher deposition rates and deeper penetration compared to thinner wires. The wire is precision layer wound on a 10lb spool, ensuring tangle-free feeding and stable electrical contact at the contact tip. It is designed for use with Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP) polarity and performs best with shielding gas mixtures such as 98% Argon/2% Oxygen or Helium-rich Tri-mixes.

Typical Applications:

  • Chemical and petrochemical processing equipment
  • Food and beverage manufacturing machinery
  • Pharmaceutical storage tanks
  • Marine fittings and architectural structures
  • Pulp and paper industry components
Additional Information
Aws Spec:ER316L
Brand:Central Wire
Diameter:0.045 in
Grade:316
Packaging:10 lb Spool
Weld Process:MIG (GMAW)
Polarity:DC
Material Composition:Stainless Steel 316L
Wire Diameter:0.045"
Wire Type:Solid
AWS Classification:ER316L
Spool Size:10 lb
Shielding Gas Requirement:Argon/CO2 Mix, Argon/Oxygen Mix, Tri-Mix
Packaging Description:10 lb spool

INCLUDED

  • 1 x 10lb Spool of ER316L Stainless Steel MIG Wire (0.045" Diameter)

APPLICATIONS

  • Chemical Processing Tanks
  • Food Service Equipment
  • Marine Hardware & Fittings
  • Pharmaceutical Equipment
  • Textile Industry Machinery
  • Pulp and Paper Digesters

FAQ

For the best arc stability and bead appearance, a Tri-mix gas (90% Helium / 7.5% Argon / 2.5% CO2) is often recommended. Alternatively, a mixture of 98% Argon and 2% Oxygen or 97% Argon and 3% CO2 can be used for spray arc transfer.

The 'L' stands for Low Carbon. 316L has a maximum carbon content of 0.03%, whereas standard 316 allows up to 0.08%. The lower carbon content in 316L prevents carbide precipitation during welding, maintaining corrosion resistance without post-weld heat treatment.

Yes, you can use ER316L to weld 304 stainless steel. It will provide a weld with higher corrosion resistance than the base metal. However, ER308L is the standard match for 304 stainless.

This solid MIG wire requires Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP), also known as Reverse Polarity.

0.045" (1.2mm) wire is typically best suited for base materials that are 1/8 inch (3mm) and thicker. For thinner sheet metal, a 0.030" or 0.035" wire would be easier to control.

Yes, ER316L contains approximately 2.0-3.0% Molybdenum, which provides increased resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion compared to 300-series alloys without Molybdenum.

You will need V-groove drive rolls sized specifically for 0.045" (1.2mm) hard wire. Do not use knurled rolls as they can damage the copper coating and cause liner clogging.

Solid stainless MIG wire is generally difficult to use out-of-position (vertical or overhead) when using standard spray transfer. For out-of-position work, pulsed MIG capabilities or short-circuit transfer (with appropriate gas) are required.