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36308L030 - ER308L Stainless TIG Filler Rod .030 x 36 Inch

Packaging: 10lb tube
$24.50/lb $153.10/10lb tube only $15.31/lbSave 38%

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OVERVIEW

Precision TIG Welding for Thin Stainless Steel

When you are working on thin-gauge stainless steel—like kitchen exhaust hoods, dairy tubing, or custom automotive exhaust tips—you need a filler rod that melts cleanly and flows smoothly without dumping too much metal into the puddle. That is exactly what you get with the Central Wire ER308L .030" TIG Rod. This ultra-thin diameter rod gives you ultimate control over your weld puddle, allowing for delicate dabbing and precise bead stacking on materials that would easily warp or burn through with a thicker rod.

These rods are the industry standard for welding 304 and 304L stainless steels. The "Low Carbon" formula keeps your welds bright and corrosion-resistant, preventing that dreaded "sugaring" or rusting at the grain boundaries later on. Welders love this rod for its smooth wetting action; the puddle ties into the toes of the weld effortlessly, leaving a flat, aesthetically pleasing bead that requires minimal grinding or polishing. If you are doing sanitary welding or cosmetic work where the look of the weld is just as important as the strength, this is the rod to have in your quiver.

Packaged in a durable 10lb tube, these 36-inch rods are kept straight and clean, ready to use right out of the box. The ends are typically stamped or flagged, so you never mix them up with your mild steel or aluminum fillers. Whether you are a professional fabricator in the food and beverage industry or a motorsports enthusiast building custom headers, the Central Wire ER308L .030" rod delivers the consistency and performance you need to lay down perfect dimes every time.

Why Choose This Rod?

  • Perfect for Thin Metal: The .030" size prevents over-filling and burn-through on sheet metal.
  • Beautiful Beads: Excellent fluidity creates smooth, shiny welds that polish up great.
  • Corrosion Fighter: 308L chemistry protects your project from rust and decay.
  • Versatile: Works on the most common stainless grades (304, 304L, 302, 321).
Additional Information
Brand:Central Wire
Aws Spec:ER308L
Diameter:0.030 in
Grade:308
Packaging:10 lb Tube
Weld Process:TIG (GTAW)
Polarity:DC
Material Composition:Stainless Steel
Rod Length:36"
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon
Alloy Type:Austenitic Stainless Steel
Carbon Content:Low Carbon (0.03% max)
Packaging Description:10lb tube

INCLUDED

  • 10 lb Tube of ER308L 0.030" x 36" TIG Rods
  • Product Label with Heat Number/Lot Traceability

APPLICATIONS

  • Food and beverage processing equipment
  • Dairy and pharmaceutical piping
  • Chemical storage tanks and vessels
  • Automotive exhaust systems and headers
  • Architectural stainless steel trim
  • Thin-gauge sheet metal fabrication
  • Kitchen and sanitary equipment
  • Cryogenic components

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 protects the weld from intergranular corrosion. It is generally the preferred choice for modern stainless fabrication.

You should use 100% Argon for TIG welding with ER308L rods. This ensures a stable arc and protects the molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination.

No, ER308L is not recommended for joining mild steel to stainless steel. For dissimilar metal welding (mild steel to stainless), you should use an ER309L filler rod to prevent cracking.

It depends on the material thickness. 0.030" is very thin and is specifically designed for welding thin-gauge sheet metal (e.g., 18-24 gauge). For thicker plates (1/8" and up), you would typically want a 1/16" or 3/32" rod to fill the joint more efficiently.

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

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

Because 0.030" is a very small diameter, the rod count is high. While it varies slightly by density, there are typically several hundred rods in a 10lb tube of this diameter.

Technically you can weld it, but it is not recommended. You should match the filler metal to the base metal. For 316 stainless, use ER316L rod to maintain the molybdenum content and corrosion resistance of the base material.