4470S6045 - ER70S-6 Mild Steel MIG Wire .045 - 44lb Spool

Technical Overview

The ER70S-6 .045" MIG Welding Wire is a general-purpose, copper-coated solid wire designed for the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) of mild and carbon steels. Classified under AWS A5.18, this wire is formulated with elevated levels of silicon (Si) and manganese (Mn). These elements function as active deoxidizers, scavenging oxygen from the weld pool to prevent porosity and inclusions. This chemical composition makes the ER70S-6 classification particularly effective when welding on base metals that exhibit surface contaminants such as mill scale, light rust, or oil.

The 0.045-inch diameter is optimized for medium-to-heavy fabrication, supporting higher deposition rates and deeper penetration profiles compared to smaller diameters. The wire exhibits excellent wetting characteristics, characterized by a fluid weld pool that ties in smoothly at the toes, resulting in a flat to slightly convex bead profile. This fluidity aids in achieving high travel speeds without compromising bead integrity.

Operational Characteristics

This wire is designed for use with Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP) polarity. It is compatible with a variety of shielding gases, most notably 100% Carbon Dioxide (CO2) for maximum penetration and cost-efficiency, or Argon/CO2 mixtures (typically 75/25 or 90/10) to reduce spatter and minimize fume generation. The copper coating on the wire surface serves a dual purpose: it protects the steel from oxidation during storage and improves electrical contact at the tip, ensuring stable arc initiation and consistent current transfer. The 44lb spool is precision-wound to ensure smooth payoff and prevent tangling in industrial wire feeding systems.