W1060500POP - RG-45 3/32" Copper Coated Mild Steel Gas Welding Rod - 1lb Tube

Technical Overview of Harris RG-45 Mild Steel Rod

The Harris RG-45 (W1060) is a general-purpose, low-carbon steel welding rod designed to meet the rigorous standards of AWS A5.2 R45 classification. Engineered for both oxy-fuel gas welding and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG) applications, this filler metal is composed of a mild steel alloy with a chemical composition strictly controlled to ensure consistent performance. The rod features a nominal carbon content of 0.15%, with manganese levels between 0.90% and 1.40%, and silicon ranging from 0.10% to 0.35%. This specific chemistry promotes excellent wetting action and fluidity in the weld pool.

A key technical advantage of this consumable is its copper coating. This coating serves a dual purpose: it significantly enhances electrical conductivity for TIG applications and provides a robust barrier against oxidation during storage, ensuring the rod remains free of rust and contaminants that could introduce porosity into the weld. With a minimum tensile strength of 45,000 psi (45 ksi), the RG-45 is optimized for applications where ductility and machinability are paramount over extreme high-strength requirements. It produces sound, porosity-free welds on mild steel plate, sheet, and pipe.

In oxy-fuel applications, the rod requires no external flux. Instead, the operator utilizes a "puddling" technique with the molten metal to bring impurities and scale to the surface, resulting in a clean, high-quality deposit. The 3/32" (2.38mm) diameter offers a versatile heat input range, suitable for bridging gaps in fit-up or running precise beads on thinner gauge materials. This product is manufactured in Italy and is fully compliant with industry standards for general fabrication and repair of low-carbon steels.