Home Shop ER308L 5/32″ Stainless TIG Welding Rod – 10lb Tube
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ER308L40 - ER308L 5/32" Stainless TIG Welding Rod - 10lb Tube

Packaging: 10 lb tube
$21.90/lb

Package Price:

$219.00/10 lb tube

Usually ships within 3-5 business days

SKU: CWT308L40 Categories: ,

OVERVIEW

Technical Overview of ER308L 4.0mm TIG Rods

The CWT308L40 is a premium-grade ER308L stainless steel TIG welding rod featuring a substantial 4.0mm (approximately 5/32 inch) diameter. Manufactured to strict AWS A5.9 specifications, this filler metal is an austenitic stainless steel formulation designed primarily for welding base metals of similar composition, such as AISI 304, 304L, 308, and 308L. The 'L' designation indicates an extra-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, making it suitable for applications where the finished product will be exposed to corrosive environments or where post-weld annealing is not feasible.

With a diameter of 4.0mm, this rod is specifically categorized for heavy-duty applications. It allows for higher current settings and greater deposition rates compared to standard 1/16" or 3/32" rods, making it ideal for filling large V-grooves, welding thick-walled pipe, or fabricating heavy plate structures. The rod typically operates best with Direct Current Electrode Negative (DCEN) polarity using 100% Argon shielding gas to ensure a stable arc and a clean, oxidation-free weld pool. The chemical composition includes chromium (19.5-22.0%) and nickel (9.0-11.0%), providing excellent toughness and ductility at cryogenic temperatures as well as good creep strength at elevated temperatures.

Packaged in a durable 10 lb tube, these 36-inch cut lengths are maintained in a straight and clean condition to ensure smooth feeding through the welder's hand. The surface finish is matte or bright, free from contaminants that could introduce porosity into the weld. Quality control measures ensure consistent diameter tolerance and alloy distribution, providing industrial users with predictable performance for critical code work in petrochemical, food processing, and power generation sectors.

Additional Information
Packaging Description:10 lb tube
Weld Process:TIG
AWS Spec :ER308L
Packaging:10lb tube
Grade:308
Diameter:4.0mm
Polarity:DC-, DC+
Brand:Central Wire
Material Composition:Stainless Steel
Rod Length:36 inches
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon
Alloy Type:Austenitic Stainless Steel
Carbon Content:Low Carbon (0.03% max)

INCLUDED

  • 10 lb Tube of ER308L Stainless Steel TIG Rods (4.0mm diameter)
  • Product Label with Heat Number and AWS Classification
  • Protective Storage Tube

APPLICATIONS

  • Food and Beverage Industry: Welding heavy-gauge stainless steel tanks, vats, and piping systems requiring sanitary finishes.
  • Chemical Processing: Fabrication of pressure vessels and storage containers resistant to corrosive chemicals.
  • Structural Fabrication: Joining thick 304 stainless steel plates and beams for architectural or industrial structures.
  • Power Generation: Maintenance and repair of stainless steel components in power plants.
  • Heavy Equipment Repair: Buildup and joining of thick stainless sections on industrial machinery.

FAQ

The 'L' stands for Low Carbon. ER308L has a maximum carbon content of 0.03%, whereas ER308 can have up to 0.08%. The lower carbon content in ER308L prevents carbide precipitation during welding, which improves resistance to intergranular corrosion without the need for post-weld heat treatment.

For TIG welding (GTAW) with ER308L, 100% Argon is the standard shielding gas. It provides good arc stability and cleaning action. In some specialized automated applications, Helium mixtures might be used to increase heat input, but pure Argon is recommended for manual welding.

It is not recommended. A 4.0mm (5/32") rod requires high heat input to melt, which would likely burn through thin sheet metal (e.g., 16 gauge or thinner). For thin materials, use a smaller diameter rod like 1.6mm (1/16") or 2.4mm (3/32").

No, for welding 316 or 316L stainless steel, you should use an ER316L filler rod. ER316L contains Molybdenum which provides the necessary pitting corrosion resistance required for 316 applications. Using ER308L on 316 base metal would under-alloy the weld.

DCEN (Direct Current Electrode Negative), also known as Straight Polarity, is the standard setting for TIG welding stainless steel. This concentrates the heat in the work piece and preserves the tungsten electrode.

Stainless steel TIG rods should be stored in a clean, dry environment. While they do not absorb moisture like flux-coated stick electrodes, they should be kept free from dust, oil, and grease to prevent weld contamination. Keep the tube closed when not in use.

These are standard TIG cut lengths, measuring 36 inches (approximately 914mm) long.

You choose a 4.0mm rod when welding thick materials (typically 1/4 inch thick or greater) or when filling large bevels. The larger rod deposits more metal per pass, increasing productivity on heavy fabrication jobs.

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