1612119820 - Esab OK Autrod 308LSi Stainless MIG Wire .045 15kg Spool

Technical Overview of Esab OK Autrod 308LSi

The Esab OK Autrod 308LSi is a premium quality, continuous solid corrosion-resisting chromium-nickel wire designed for the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) of austenitic chromium-nickel alloys. Specifically formulated for the 18% Cr - 8% Ni family of stainless steels, this wire meets the AWS ER308LSi classification. The chemical composition is strictly controlled to ensure consistent metallurgical properties and mechanical performance. A key differentiator of this alloy is its increased silicon content (indicated by the 'Si' suffix), which lowers the surface tension of the molten weld pool. This modification significantly improves wetting action, allowing for higher travel speeds and superior fusion at the weld toes.

Metallurgically, the 'L' designation indicates an extra-low carbon content (typically max 0.03%). This is critical for applications where the welded component will be exposed to corrosive environments or high temperatures. The low carbon content minimizes the risk of chromium carbide precipitation at the grain boundaries during the thermal cycle, thereby preserving the material's resistance to intergranular corrosion. This makes the OK Autrod 308LSi an ideal choice for fabricating equipment that must withstand harsh chemical exposure without requiring post-weld solution annealing.

The wire is supplied on a 15kg spool, precision layer wound to ensure smooth feeding through standard MIG gun liners and contact tips. It is designed for use with shielding gases such as Argon/CO2 mixtures (typically 98/2) or Argon/Oxygen mixtures, operating on Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP). The mechanical properties of the deposited weld metal typically exhibit excellent tensile strength and ductility, matching or exceeding the base material properties of 304 and 304L stainless steels.