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101290 - Central Wire ER316L 1/8" Stainless TIG Rod - 10lb Tube

Packaging: 10 lb tube
$17.74/lb $110.90/10 lb tube only $11.09/lbSave 37%

In stock

OVERVIEW

Real-World Performance: Welding with ER316L

When you are under the hood working on a high-stakes stainless project—whether it's a custom exhaust system, a brewery tank, or marine hardware—you need a filler rod that flows consistently and wets out perfectly. Central Wire's ER316L 3.2mm (1/8") TIG rod is the go-to choice for professional fabricators who demand reliability. The 1/8" diameter gives you the ability to fill joints on thicker material (1/8" to 1/4" and up) without constantly feeding rod like a sewing machine, giving you better heat control and a more consistent bead profile.

This rod is famous for its "smooth" feel. The alloy blend, specifically the molybdenum content, doesn't just help with corrosion; it also affects how the puddle moves. You'll notice it lays down flat with excellent tie-in at the toes of the weld, minimizing the need for excessive grinding or post-weld cleanup. Because it is a 316L grade, it is specifically designed to resist the nasty pitting you get from salt water or harsh chemicals, making it the only responsible choice for boat repairs or food processing equipment repairs.

Packaged in a durable 10lb tube, these 36-inch cut lengths are straight and clean right out of the box. No need to wipe down excess drawing lubricants or worry about oxides causing porosity in your weld. Just sharpen your tungsten, set your machine to DCEN, turn on the pure Argon, and lay down dimes. If you are welding 316 base metal, or even if you need a higher-grade filler for 304 stainless in a corrosive environment, this CWT316L32 rod is the workhorse you want in your rod oven.

Additional Information
Brand:Central Wire
Diameter:3.2mm (1/8")
AWS Spec:ER316L
Grade:316
Packaging:10 lb Tube
Weld Process:TIG (GTAW)
Material Composition:Stainless Steel
Length:36 in
Shielding Gas Requirement:100% Argon
Polarity:DCEN
Alloy Type:Cr-Ni-Mo
Packaging Description:10 lb tube

INCLUDED

  • 10lb Tube of ER316L Stainless Steel TIG Rods (3.2mm / 1/8")
  • Product Label with Heat Number/Lot Traceability

APPLICATIONS

  • Chemical Processing: Tanks, valves, and piping systems handling corrosive acids and chlorides.
  • Food & Beverage: Sanitary welding of brewery tanks, dairy equipment, and commercial kitchen fixtures.
  • Marine Fabrication: Boat rails, fittings, and hardware exposed to saltwater environments.
  • Pharmaceutical: High-purity piping and containment vessels.
  • Textile & Paper: Bleaching equipment and dye vats requiring high corrosion resistance.

FAQ

For TIG welding (GTAW) with ER316L, use 100% Argon. This ensures a stable arc and protects the molten pool from atmospheric contamination without reacting with the metal.

The 'L' stands for Low Carbon. ER316L has a maximum carbon content of 0.03%, whereas standard ER316 can have up to 0.08%. The lower carbon content in 316L prevents carbide precipitation during welding, maintaining corrosion resistance without post-weld heat treatment.

Yes, you can use ER316L to weld 304 stainless steel. It provides excellent corrosion resistance and strength. However, ER308L is the standard match for 304. Using 316L on 304 is often done when 308L is unavailable or when the weld needs slightly higher corrosion resistance than the base metal.

Use DCEN (Direct Current Electrode Negative), also known as Straight Polarity. This concentrates the heat on the work piece and provides deep penetration.

While it varies slightly by exact density and length tolerance, a 10lb tube of 1/8" (3.2mm) x 36" stainless steel TIG rod typically contains approximately 75 to 85 rods.

ER316L is good for service temperatures up to about 350°C-400°C. For higher temperatures, the low carbon content results in lower creep strength than standard 316 or 316H grades. Consult engineering specs for high-temp service.

No, TIG welding with solid ER316L rod does not use flux. The shielding gas (Argon) provides the necessary protection for the weld pool.

This product meets AWS A5.9 classification ER316L.