35BA09982V - ESAB Shield-Bright 308L Stainless Flux Core Wire 0.035 15kg Spool

Technical Overview of Shield-Bright 308L

The ESAB Shield-Bright 308L is a premium flux-cored stainless steel wire designed for the high-productivity welding of austenitic stainless steels. Formulated with a nominal composition of 20% chromium and 10% nickel, this consumable is specifically engineered to meet the rigorous demands of fabricating Type 304 and 304L alloys. The 'L' designation indicates a restricted carbon content (maximum 0.04%), which is critical for mitigating intergranular corrosion by preventing carbide precipitation during the welding thermal cycle. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where corrosion resistance is paramount.

This wire operates using the Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) process with external gas shielding. It is compatible with both 100% CO2 and mixtures of 75% Argon / 25% CO2, offering flexibility depending on the available gas supply and desired arc characteristics. The rutile slag system provides excellent weldability in all positions, including vertical-up and overhead, without the need for pulsed power sources often required for solid wire positional welding. While primarily targeted at 304/304L grades, it is also suitable for Types 301, 302, and can be used on stabilized grades like 321 and 347 provided the service temperature remains below 750°F (399°C).

The 15kg spool format ensures extended run times for industrial fabrication environments. The 0.035-inch (0.9mm) diameter offers a versatile operating range, allowing for the welding of both thin gauge sheet and medium plate thicknesses. Mechanical properties are robust, typically yielding tensile strengths exceeding 80 ksi (550 MPa) and elongation values that ensure ductility in the finished joint.