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36308L030 - ER308L Stainless TIG Filler Rod .030 x 36 Inch

Packaging: 10lb tube
$24.50/lb

Package Price:

$245.00/10lb tube

Usually ships within 3-5 business days

OVERVIEW

Premium Grade ER308L Stainless Steel TIG Rods

The Central Wire ER308L TIG Welding Rod in 0.030-inch diameter is a high-quality austenitic stainless steel filler metal designed for the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process. This specific alloy is engineered to join Type 304 and 304L base metals, which are among the most common stainless steels used in industrial fabrication. The "L" designation indicates a low carbon content (maximum 0.03%), which is critical for minimizing the risk of carbide precipitation during the welding process. This feature significantly enhances the weld's resistance to intergranular corrosion without the need for post-weld heat treatment, making it an excellent choice for as-welded structures.

This 10lb tube of cut lengths offers a consistent chemical composition that meets or exceeds AWS A5.9 specifications. The 0.030" diameter is particularly specialized, catering to applications requiring low heat input and precision deposition on thin-gauge materials. The rod exhibits excellent toughness at cryogenic temperatures and maintains high strength and corrosion resistance in various service environments. Metallurgically, the deposit provides a ferrite number typically between 8 and 12, ensuring high resistance to hot cracking while maintaining ductility.

Central Wire's manufacturing process ensures a clean, contaminant-free surface finish. This attention to surface quality promotes stable arc characteristics and reduces the likelihood of porosity in the weld metal. The rods are straightened and cut to a standard 36-inch length, providing optimal handling for the welder. Whether used for pressure vessels, piping systems, or architectural components, this ER308L filler metal delivers reliable, code-compliant results.

Technical Specifications

  • AWS Class: ER308L
  • Diameter: 0.030" (0.8mm)
  • Length: 36"
  • Tensile Strength: Typically 85,000 PSI (as welded)
  • Elongation: Typically 35%
Additional Information
Packaging Description:10lb tube
Weld Process:TIG
AWS Spec :ER308L
Packaging:10lb tube, 10lb-tube
Grade:308
Diameter:0-030, 0.030
Polarity:AC or DC+, dc
Brand:central-wire, Generic
Material Composition:Stainless Steel
Rod Length:36"
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon
Alloy Type:Austenitic Stainless Steel
Carbon Content:Low Carbon (0.03% max)

INCLUDED

  • 10 lb Tube of ER308L 0.030" x 36" TIG Rods
  • Product Label with Heat Number/Lot Traceability

APPLICATIONS

  • Food and beverage processing equipment
  • Dairy and pharmaceutical piping
  • Chemical storage tanks and vessels
  • Automotive exhaust systems and headers
  • Architectural stainless steel trim
  • Thin-gauge sheet metal fabrication
  • Kitchen and sanitary equipment
  • Cryogenic components

FAQ

The 'L' stands for Low Carbon. ER308L has a maximum carbon content of 0.03%, whereas standard ER308 can have up to 0.08%. The lower carbon content in 308L prevents carbide precipitation during welding, which protects the weld from intergranular corrosion. It is generally the preferred choice for modern stainless fabrication.

You should use 100% Argon for TIG welding with ER308L rods. This ensures a stable arc and protects the molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination.

No, ER308L is not recommended for joining mild steel to stainless steel. For dissimilar metal welding (mild steel to stainless), you should use an ER309L filler rod to prevent cracking.

It depends on the material thickness. 0.030" is very thin and is specifically designed for welding thin-gauge sheet metal (e.g., 18-24 gauge). For thicker plates (1/8" and up), you would typically want a 1/16" or 3/32" rod to fill the joint more efficiently.

For TIG welding stainless steel with this rod, use DCEN (Direct Current Electrode Negative), also known as Straight Polarity.

No, TIG welding (GTAW) does not use flux. The shielding gas (Argon) provides the necessary protection for the weld pool.

Because 0.030" is a very small diameter, the rod count is high. While it varies slightly by density, there are typically several hundred rods in a 10lb tube of this diameter.

Technically you can weld it, but it is not recommended. You should match the filler metal to the base metal. For 316 stainless, use ER316L rod to maintain the molybdenum content and corrosion resistance of the base material.