Skip to Main Content
Canadian
Canadian owned and operated

62060605V - Bonarc ER308L Stainless MIG Wire .023 Inch 5kg Spool

Packaging: 5kg tube
$37.55/kg $117.35/5kg tube only $23.47/kgSave 37%

In stock

OVERVIEW

Technical Overview: Bonarc ER308L .023" MIG Wire

Bonarc ER308L is a solid gas metal arc welding (GMAW) wire designed for joining 18% Chromium - 8% Nickel austenitic stainless steels, such as AISI 301, 302, 304, and 304L. The 0.023-inch (0.6mm) diameter is specifically tailored for low-amperage applications on thin-gauge base metals, allowing for precise bead placement and minimal heat affected zone (HAZ). This makes it the ideal choice for sheet metal fabrication where burn-through is a primary concern.

The chemical composition of this wire features an extra-low carbon content (maximum 0.03%), which is essential for preventing carbide precipitation at the grain boundaries. This metallurgical characteristic significantly reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion, ensuring the longevity of the weld even in corrosive environments. The wire produces a smooth, stable arc with minimal spatter, resulting in a flat bead profile that requires little post-weld grinding or finishing. It exhibits excellent wetting action, tying into the toes of the weld smoothly.

For optimal performance, this wire should be used with Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP) polarity. Shielding gas selection is critical; a tri-mix of Helium, Argon, and CO2 is often recommended for short-circuit transfer on thin materials to improve bead profile and color, although Argon/CO2 (98/2) mixtures can also be effective depending on the specific welding procedure specification (WPS). The 5kg spool provides a balance between run-time and handling ease.

Metallurgical & Operational Features

  • Alloy Type: 308L Austenitic Stainless Steel.
  • Tensile Strength: Matches or exceeds base metal properties for 304/304L.
  • Corrosion Resistance: High resistance to intergranular corrosion due to low carbon.
  • Weldability: Excellent feedability and arc stability in short-circuit transfer mode.
Additional Information
Brand:Bonarc
AWS Spec:ER308L
Diameter:0.023 in
Grade:308
Weld Process:MIG (GMAW)
Polarity:DCEP
Packaging Description:5kg Spool
Material Composition:Stainless Steel
Wire Diameter:0.023", 0.6mm
Spool Size:5 kg, 11 lb
Shielding Gas Requirement:Argon/CO2 Mix, Tri-Mix (Helium/Argon/CO2)
Alloy Type:308L
Applications:Food Service Equipment, Chemical Tanks, General Fabrication
Packaging:10 lb Spool

INCLUDED

  • 1 x 5kg Spool of Bonarc ER308L .023" MIG Wire

APPLICATIONS

  • Welding AISI 301, 302, 304, and 304L stainless steels
  • Food processing and dairy equipment fabrication
  • Automotive exhaust systems and trim
  • Light gauge stainless sheet metal work
  • Chemical and pharmaceutical storage tanks
  • Architectural stainless steel structures

FAQ

For the best results on thin material using short-circuit transfer, a Tri-Mix gas (90% Helium / 7.5% Argon / 2.5% CO2) is often recommended. Alternatively, a mixture of 98% Argon and 2% CO2 or Oxygen can be used for spray arc or general purpose work.

No, ER308L is designed for welding stainless to stainless (specifically 300 series). To weld stainless steel to mild steel, you should use an ER309L wire.

The .023" (0.6mm) diameter is very small, allowing for welding on extremely thin gauge sheet metal (like auto body panels or kitchen skins) with lower heat input, reducing the risk of warping or burning through the material.

This is a 5kg (11lb) spool. Many compact 140A or 180A MIG welders can accept this size, but you should check your machine's manual. Some very small handheld units only take 1kg (2lb) spools.

This is a solid MIG wire, meaning it requires an external shielding gas bottle to weld properly. It is not flux-cored.

The 'L' stands for 'Low Carbon'. This modification reduces the risk of carbon precipitation during welding, which helps prevent corrosion in the weld area over time.

Yes, we carry a full range of MIG gun consumables, including .023" contact tips compatible with most major torch brands.

Solid stainless MIG wire like ER308L is welded using DCEP (Direct Current Electrode Positive), also known as Reverse Polarity.