ER309L32 - ER309L Stainless Steel TIG Welding Rod - 3.2mm (1/8") - 10lb Tube

Technical Overview of ER309L TIG Filler Metal

The ER309L Stainless Steel TIG Rod (3.2mm / 1/8") is a premium austenitic stainless steel filler metal specifically engineered for the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process. This alloy is characterized by its high chromium (approx. 23-25%) and nickel (approx. 12-14%) content, which provides superior corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures. The "L" designation signifies a controlled low carbon content (maximum 0.03%), which is critical for preventing carbide precipitation and intergranular corrosion, particularly in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of the weldment.

This specific grade is the industry standard for joining dissimilar metals, such as welding AISI 304 or 316 stainless steels to carbon steels or low-alloy steels. It is also extensively used for depositing buffer layers on carbon steel prior to cladding with 308 or 316 grades. The 3.2mm diameter is well-suited for welding thicker base materials, filling larger joint gaps, or for multi-pass applications where higher deposition rates are required compared to thinner rods. The metallurgical composition ensures a ferrite number sufficient to prevent hot cracking during solidification, a common issue in fully austenitic welds.

Manufactured to strict AWS A5.9 specifications, these rods undergo rigorous surface cleaning processes to ensure they are free from oil, grease, and oxides, promoting a stable arc and minimizing porosity defects. The rods are stamped for easy identification and packaged in a durable 10lb tube to protect against environmental contamination during storage.