0445850031 - ESAB 1.2mm Knurled Drive Roll V-K Type

Technical Specification: ESAB V-K Knurled Drive Roll

The ESAB 0445850031 Feed Roller is a specialized drive roll featuring a "V-K" groove geometry, specifically engineered for feeding 1.2mm (0.045") flux-cored and metal-cored welding wires. In the context of wire feeding mechanics, the traction method is critical. Solid wires typically use smooth V-grooves, while soft aluminum requires U-grooves. Cored wires, however, present a unique challenge: they require significant grip to push through the torch liner but are tubular in construction, making them susceptible to crushing under high tension.

The V-K design solves this by incorporating a knurled surface within a V-shaped profile. The knurling provides mechanical interlock with the wire surface, allowing for lower drive roll tension settings while maintaining positive feed force. This prevents the deformation of the wire's cross-section, which is crucial for maintaining good electrical contact at the tip and ensuring stable arc characteristics. The 1.2mm sizing is precision-machined to tight tolerances, ensuring the wire sits at the correct depth within the groove for optimal drive force transfer.

This component is a double-groove roller, marked "1.2 1.2", indicating that both tracks are machined for 1.2mm wire. This reversibility is a key feature for high-volume production environments, allowing maintenance personnel to flip the roller rather than replace it immediately upon wear. The roller is constructed from hardened alloy steel to withstand the abrasive nature of flux-cored wires and the mechanical stress of industrial wire feeders.

Compatibility is maintained across a range of ESAB wire feed units. When installing, ensure that the wire diameter matches the stamp on the roller and that the drive roll tension is set according to the wire manufacturer's recommendations—typically just tight enough to prevent slipping when the wire is restricted at the tip. Using this correct V-K roller prevents the common issue of shaving metal flakes off the wire, which can clog liners and cause erratic feeding.