S510811-I12 - Hobart ER309L 1/16" TIG Rods - 10lb Tube

Technical Overview of Hobart ER309/ER309L TIG Welding Wire

The Hobart ER309/ER309L Stainless Steel TIG Welding Wire (SKU: S510811-I12) is a premium filler metal designed for critical welding applications involving dissimilar metals. Engineered to meet AWS A5.9 specifications, this wire carries dual classification for both ER309 and ER309L. The primary metallurgical advantage of this alloy is its high chromium and nickel content, which allows it to accommodate the dilution that occurs when welding stainless steel to carbon or low-alloy steels. This makes it the industry-standard choice for buffer layers and joining applications where metallurgical compatibility between base materials is a concern.

The "L" designation in ER309L indicates a low carbon composition, strictly controlled to a maximum of 0.03%. This reduction in carbon is crucial for preventing carbide precipitation at the grain boundaries during the welding process. By minimizing sensitization, the wire significantly reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion, ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of the weldment, particularly in corrosive environments found in the petrochemical and pulp and paper industries. The 1/16-inch (1.6mm) diameter provides excellent control for precision TIG (GTAW) welding, allowing for fine bead manipulation and heat input management.

Each 10-pound tube contains 36-inch cut lengths, with every individual rod stamped with its AWS classification and manufacturing lot number. This feature is essential for quality control and material traceability in regulated industrial environments. The wire is designed for use with 100% Argon shielding gas and operates on Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP). It is specifically formulated to join Type 304, 308, and 316 stainless steels to mild steel, as well as for welding similar 309L alloys. Its robust mechanical properties and corrosion resistance make it an indispensable consumable for complex fabrication tasks.