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36308l045 - ER308L Stainless Steel TIG Welding Rod - 0.045 Inch - 10lb Tube

Packaging: 10 lb tube
$13.42/lb $83.90/10 lb tube only $8.39/lbSave 37%

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OVERVIEW

Achieve Flawless Stainless Welds with ER308L TIG Rods

Take your stainless steel welding projects to the next level with this premium ER308L TIG rod. Sized at a precise 0.045-inch diameter, this filler metal is the secret weapon for welders working on thin sheet metal, exhaust tubing, or intricate artistic pieces. If you are welding standard 304 or 304L stainless steel, this is the rod you need in your arsenal. The "308L" classification means it matches the chemistry of your base metal perfectly while offering the added benefit of "Low Carbon." This low carbon content is essential for maintaining the rust-fighting properties of stainless steel, ensuring your welds remain bright and corrosion-free for years to come.

Welders love this rod for its smooth wetting action and fluidity. The 0.045" size gives you ultimate control over the weld puddle, allowing for those aesthetically pleasing "stacked dimes" that every TIG welder strives for. Whether you are repairing a commercial kitchen counter, fabricating a custom motorcycle exhaust, or building a brewing tank, this rod flows cleanly without the erratic behavior found in lower-quality fillers. The clean surface finish of the wire minimizes impurities, helping you avoid frustrating porosity issues that can ruin a good weld.

Convenience is key in any shop, which is why these rods come in a durable 10lb tube. The tube keeps your filler metal organized, straight, and free from shop dust, oil, and moisture. No more bent rods or searching for the right alloy—just grab the tube and get to work. The 36-inch length is standard for TIG welding, giving you plenty of material to work with before needing to reach for another rod. Compatible with any DC TIG welder set to DCEN (Straight Polarity) and using 100% Argon gas, this ER308L wire is a versatile staple for any fabricator's bench.

Why Choose This Rod?

  • Precision Control: The fine 0.045" diameter is perfect for delicate work and thin gauges.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Low carbon formula protects against intergranular corrosion.
  • Versatility: Ideal for the most common stainless grades (304/304L).
  • Professional Results: Promotes clean, aesthetic beads with excellent color match.
Additional Information
Brand:Central Wire
Aws Spec:ER308L
Diameter:0.045 in
Packaging:10 lb Tube
Weld Process:TIG (GTAW)
Grade:308
Rod Type:TIG Cut Length
Material Composition:Stainless Steel
AWS Classification:ER308L
Wire Diameter:0.045"
Rod Length:36"
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon
Polarity:DCEN
Packaging Description:10 lb tube

INCLUDED

  • 10 lb Tube of ER308L TIG Rods (0.045" Diameter, 36" Length)

APPLICATIONS

  • Food and beverage processing equipment fabrication
  • Chemical and pharmaceutical tank manufacturing
  • Automotive exhaust systems and headers
  • Architectural stainless steel railings and trim
  • Cryogenic vessels and piping
  • General maintenance and repair of 304 stainless steel

FAQ

The 'L' stands for Low Carbon. ER308L has a maximum carbon content of 0.03%, whereas standard ER308 can have up to 0.08%. The lower carbon content in 308L prevents carbide precipitation during welding, which significantly improves corrosion resistance, especially in the heat-affected zone.

For TIG welding with ER308L, you should use 100% Argon shielding gas. This ensures a stable arc and protects the molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination.

It is not recommended. While it might physically join the metals, ER308L does not contain the Molybdenum found in 316 stainless steel. For welding 316 or 316L, you should use an ER316L filler rod to maintain the corrosion resistance of the base metal.

For TIG welding stainless steel with this rod, use DCEN (Direct Current Electrode Negative), also known as Straight Polarity.

0.045" is relatively thin and is best suited for sheet metal or thin-gauge tubing (approx. 18-14 gauge). For thicker plates (1/8" and up), you would typically want a larger diameter rod like 1/16", 3/32", or 1/8" to deposit metal faster and handle the higher heat input.

No, TIG welding (GTAW) does not use flux. The shielding gas (Argon) provides the necessary protection for the weld pool.

Store them in their original tube in a dry, low-humidity environment. Keeping them clean and free of oil, dust, and moisture is critical for high-quality TIG welds.

Typical mechanical properties for ER308L weld deposits include a tensile strength of approximately 85,000 psi and elongation of roughly 35%, depending on welding parameters and base metal dilution.