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ER309L32 - 3/32" ER309L Stainless TIG Rod for Dissimilar Metals

Packaging: 10 lb tube
$17.58/lb $100.00/10 lb tube only $10.00/lbSave 43%

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OVERVIEW

Premium ER309L Stainless Steel TIG Welding Rod - 3/32"

The ER309L 3/32" TIG Welding Rod is a high-grade austenitic stainless steel filler metal designed specifically for the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process. Manufactured to meet rigorous AWS A5.9 specifications, this alloy is characterized by its high chromium (approx. 23-25%) and nickel (approx. 12-14%) content. This specific chemical composition provides superior heat resistance and corrosion resistance compared to standard 304 or 308 grades. The 'L' designation indicates a low carbon content (maximum 0.03%), which is critical for preventing carbide precipitation during the welding process, thereby reducing the risk of intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone (HAZ).

This rod is engineered for critical industrial applications where metallurgical integrity is paramount. It is most frequently utilized for joining dissimilar metals, such as welding Type 304 or 308 stainless steel to carbon steel or low-alloy steels. The higher alloy content of ER309L allows for dilution with the mild steel base metal while still maintaining a stainless microstructure in the weld bead. It is also the standard choice for applying the first layer of stainless cladding over carbon steel (buffer layers) before filling with 308L. The 3/32" (2.4mm) diameter offers excellent deposition rates for medium-thickness base materials, typically ranging from 1/8" to 1/4" thick, making it a versatile stock item for fabrication shops and maintenance departments.

Technical Specifications:

  • AWS Classification: ER309L
  • Diameter: 3/32" (2.4mm)
  • Length: 36" Standard
  • Tensile Strength: ~85,000 PSI
  • Shielding Gas: 100% Argon

In industrial environments, the ER309L is essential for petrochemical, food processing, and power generation sectors where transition joints between piping systems of different materials are common. Its resistance to oxidation at high temperatures also makes it suitable for certain furnace parts and heat treatment equipment repairs.

Additional Information
Diameter:2.5mm (3/32")
Alloy Type:ER309L Stainless Steel
Process:TIG (GTAW)
Material:Stainless Steel
AWS Classification:AWS A5.9, ER309L
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon
Polarity:DCEN
Tensile Strength:85,000 PSI (Approx)
Elongation:35-40%
Rod Length:36 Inches
Applications:Dissimilar Metal Joining, Buffer Layers, Cladding
Packaging Description:10 lb tube
Weld Process:TIG (GTAW)
AWS Spec:ER309L
Packaging:10 lb Tube
Grade:309
Brand:Central Wire

INCLUDED

  • ER309L Stainless Steel TIG Welding Rods (3/32" Diameter)
  • Protective Packaging (Tube or Box depending on quantity)
  • Label with Heat Number/Lot Number for Traceability

APPLICATIONS

  • Dissimilar Metal Joining: Welding 300-series stainless steel to mild or carbon steel.
  • Buffer Layers: Applying the first pass of stainless cladding on carbon steel surfaces.
  • General Fabrication: Structural transitions in architectural metalwork.
  • Automotive: Exhaust systems requiring stainless headers joined to steel flanges.
  • Maintenance & Repair: Repairing equipment where the exact grade of stainless is unknown (often safer to use 309L than 308L).

FAQ

ER308L is designed for welding stainless to stainless (specifically 304 to 304). ER309L has a higher alloy content and is designed for welding stainless steel to mild/carbon steel.

You should use 100% Argon for TIG welding with ER309L. Helium mixtures can be used for greater penetration on thick sections, but pure Argon is standard.

For a 3/32" diameter tungsten and rod, a typical amperage range is 90-160 Amps, depending on the thickness of the base metal and travel speed.

Technically yes, but it is not recommended or cost-effective. It is much more expensive than mild steel rod (ER70S-6) and can create a weld bead with different thermal expansion properties than the base metal.

The 'L' stands for 'Low Carbon'. This means the carbon content is restricted to 0.03% max to prevent carbide precipitation and intergranular corrosion.

Yes, absolutely. TIG welding requires very clean surfaces. Grind the mill scale off the mild steel and clean the stainless side with acetone to ensure a defect-free weld.

ER309L can sometimes be used for non-critical repairs on cast iron to steel, but high-nickel rods (Ni-Rod) are generally preferred for cast iron to prevent cracking.

2% Lanthanated (Blue), 2% Thoriated (Red), or E3 (Purple) are all excellent choices for DCEN TIG welding with stainless steel.