KP2117-3 - Lincoln Electric KP2117-3 Outgoing Wire Guide 1/16 Inch

Technical Overview: Lincoln Electric KP2117-3 Outgoing Guide Tube

The Lincoln Electric KP2117-3 is a specialized outgoing guide tube designed for use with industrial wire feeders. This component is calibrated specifically for 1/16-inch (1.6 mm) diameter welding wires. In the context of a wire drive assembly, the guide tube system is critical for constraining the wire path. The "outgoing" designation indicates that this tube is positioned after the drive rolls, serving to capture the wire as it is pushed forward and funnel it correctly into the receiver bushing or gun liner.

Proper wire alignment is crucial for preventing "birdnesting"—the tangling of wire at the drive rolls—which is a common issue when pushing larger diameter wires or when using softer filler metals. The KP2117-3 features a hardened internal surface to resist the wear caused by the constant friction of the moving wire. This hardness is essential for maintaining the precise internal diameter required to guide the wire without adding excessive drag. If a guide tube is too large, the wire may buckle; if it is too tight, it may cause drag that strains the feed motor. The KP2117-3 strikes the optimal balance for 1/16" consumables.

Key Technical Benefits:

• Precise Fitment: Engineered to seat perfectly within Lincoln Electric wire drive housings, ensuring zero movement during operation.
• Wear Resistance: Manufactured from high-grade materials that withstand the abrasive action of steel and flux-cored wires.
• Feed Consistency: By stabilizing the wire exit path, it contributes to a constant wire feed speed (WFS), which is directly correlated to amperage and deposition rate stability.

Installation of the KP2117-3 is straightforward and should be performed whenever changing wire sizes or when signs of wear—such as keyholing or grooving—are detected during inspection. It is compatible with a range of Lincoln Electric industrial feeders (verify specific model compatibility in your equipment manual). For professional welders and MRO technicians, using the correct guide tube size is a fundamental step in troubleshooting and preventing wire feeding anomalies.