308L0352 - ER308L Stainless Steel MIG Welding Wire - 0.035 Inch - 2 lb Spool

Technical Overview: ER308L Stainless Steel MIG Wire

This ER308L MIG Welding Wire is a premium austenitic stainless steel filler metal designed for joining types 304, 304L, 308, and 308L base metals. The 0.035-inch (0.9mm) diameter is a versatile size, suitable for welding thin-to-medium gauge sections while maintaining control over the weld pool. Packaged in a 2 lb (0.9 kg) spool, it fits standard 4-inch spool hubs found on portable MIG welders and spool guns.

The "L" in ER308L stands for Low Carbon (0.03% maximum). This controlled chemistry reduces the precipitation of chromium carbides at the grain boundaries during the welding process, thereby preserving the corrosion resistance of the weld metal and the heat-affected zone (HAZ). This makes it an essential consumable for applications where the weldment will be exposed to corrosive environments or electrolytes.

Mechanically, the wire produces welds with high tensile strength and good ductility. It features a high silicon content which improves the wetting action of the weld puddle, resulting in a flatter bead profile and smoother tie-ins at the toes of the weld. This wire requires a shielding gas, typically a mixture of Argon and CO2 (98/2) or a Helium-Argon-CO2 tri-mix, to achieve optimal arc characteristics and bead appearance.

Key Technical Specifications

• AWS Classification: A5.9 ER308L
• Diameter: 0.035" (0.9mm)
• Tensile Strength: Typically 85,000 - 88,000 PSI
• Elongation: ~35-40%
• Polarity: DCEP (Direct Current Electrode Positive)