Skip to Main Content
Canadian
Canadian owned and operated

63061200 - Bonarc ER308L Stainless Steel TIG Rod .045" (5kg Tube)

Packaging: 5kg tube
$47.38/kg $148.05/5kg tube only $29.61/kgSave 38%

Usually ships within 3-5 business days

OVERVIEW

Technical Specification: Bonarc ER308L TIG Filler Metal

The Bonarc ER308L is a premium quality solid TIG welding rod designed for the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) of austenitic stainless steels. This consumable is formulated to meet AWS A5.9 specifications, classifying it as an ER308L filler metal. The 'L' designation indicates a controlled low carbon content, typically restricted to a maximum of 0.03%. This modification is critical for metallurgical stability, as it significantly reduces the precipitation of chromium carbides at the grain boundaries during the welding thermal cycle. Consequently, the weld metal exhibits superior resistance to intergranular corrosion and sensitization, particularly in the heat-affected zone (HAZ).

Metallurgically, the rod deposits an 18% Chromium / 8% Nickel matrix with a controlled ferrite number (FN). The presence of a small percentage of ferrite in the austenitic structure is essential to prevent hot cracking (solidification cracking) during cooling. This makes Bonarc ER308L highly reliable for rigid structures and restrained joints where thermal stresses are high. The .045-inch (approx. 1.14mm) diameter offers precise control for low-amperage applications, allowing for minimal heat input and reduced distortion on thin-walled base metals.

This product is specifically engineered for joining base metals of similar composition, including AISI grades 301, 302, 304, 304L, 305, and 308. It is also suitable for welding 321 and 347 stabilized grades when service temperatures do not exceed 750°F (400°C). The rods are manufactured with a high-purity surface finish, free from drawing lubricants and oxides, ensuring a stable arc, excellent wetting characteristics, and X-ray quality welds. Packaged in a durable 5kg tube, the rods are protected from atmospheric contamination and physical damage during storage and transport.

Additional Information
Packaging:10lb tube, 5kg tube
Polarity:DC+, DCEN
Material Composition:Stainless Steel (18% Cr, 8% Ni)
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon
Rod Type:Solid TIG Cut Length
Alloy Type:Austenitic Stainless Steel
----- new values below ----
Material Composition:Stainless Steel (18% Cr - 8% Ni)
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon
Polarity:DCEN
Rod Type:Solid TIG Cut Length
Alloy Type:Austenitic Stainless Steel
Brand:BONARC
AWS Spec:ER308L
Diameter:0.045
Grade:308
Packaging:5kg tube
Weld Process:TIG

INCLUDED

  • 5kg Tube of ER308L TIG Welding Rods (.045" Diameter)
  • Protective Storage Tube

APPLICATIONS

  • Food and beverage processing equipment manufacturing
  • Chemical and petrochemical storage tanks
  • Pharmaceutical equipment fabrication
  • Architectural stainless steel structures
  • Automotive exhaust systems
  • General fabrication of AISI 304 and 304L stainless steels
  • Cryogenic vessels and piping

FAQ

The 'L' stands for Low Carbon. ER308L has a maximum carbon content of 0.03%, which prevents carbide precipitation and intergranular corrosion, making it superior for corrosion resistance compared to standard ER308.

For TIG welding with ER308L, use 100% Argon gas. This ensures a stable arc and protects the molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination.

No, ER308L is designed for joining stainless to stainless (specifically 300 series). For welding mild steel to stainless steel, you should use an ER309L filler rod.

Generally, no. A .045" (1.14mm) rod is quite thin and is best suited for thin-gauge sheet metal (approx. 16-22 gauge). For thicker plate, you would typically use 1/16", 3/32", or 1/8" rods to get adequate deposition rates.

TIG welding with stainless steel rods like ER308L is performed using DCEN (Direct Current Electrode Negative), also known as Straight Polarity.

While it varies slightly by exact length and density, a 5kg tube of .045" stainless steel TIG rods contains a high quantity of rods, typically several hundred, due to the small diameter and light weight of each individual rod.

No, this is a solid TIG rod used with the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process. The shielding is provided by an external gas supply (Argon), not flux.

It is not recommended. While it might physically weld, 316 stainless contains Molybdenum for added corrosion resistance. You should use ER316L filler metal to match the properties of the 316 base metal.