ED035603 - Lincoln Murex 308LSi Stainless MIG Wire .045 33lb

Technical Overview of Murex 308LSi Stainless Steel Wire

The Lincoln Electric Murex 308LSi is a premium austenitic stainless steel solid wire designed for the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) process. This consumable is formulated with a nominal composition of 20% chromium and 10% nickel, making it ideal for welding 18-8 type stainless steels such as AISI 304, 304L, 308, and 308L. The 'L' designation indicates a low carbon content (maximum 0.03%), which significantly reduces the risk of carbide precipitation at grain boundaries, thereby maintaining resistance to intergranular corrosion without the need for post-weld heat treatment or stabilizers like niobium or titanium.

A key technical differentiator of the 308LSi classification is the higher silicon content (0.65-1.00%) compared to standard 308L wires. This elevated silicon level lowers the surface tension of the molten weld pool, resulting in superior wetting action. This characteristic promotes a flatter bead profile, smoother tie-ins at the toes of the weld, and increased travel speeds. It is particularly beneficial in preventing cold lap and ensuring sound fusion in fillet welds. The wire meets AWS A5.9/A5.9M specifications for ER308LSi and is suitable for service temperatures ranging from cryogenic levels up to approximately 350°C (660°F).

This 33lb (15kg) spool is precision-wound to ensure consistent feedability, reducing downtime associated with wire tangles or burn-backs. It is designed for use with direct current electrode positive (DCEP) polarity. Recommended shielding gases include argon/oxygen mixtures (e.g., 98% Ar / 2% O2) for spray arc transfer, or argon/CO2 mixtures (e.g., 97% Ar / 3% CO2) for improved penetration. For short-circuit transfer, helium-based tri-mix gases are often employed to optimize arc stability and bead appearance.