03SIB30 - Harris ERCuSi-A Silicon Bronze TIG Rod 1/16" x 36" (10lb Tube)

Harris ERCuSi-A Silicon Bronze TIG Welding Rods

Harris ERCuSi-A Silicon Bronze TIG Rods are the professional's choice for high-quality joining of copper alloys and dissimilar metals. This 10lb package of 1/16" (1.6mm) x 36" rods is engineered to meet ANSI/AWS A5.7 and ASME SFA-5.7 standards, ensuring consistent metallurgy and performance in critical applications. The alloy consists primarily of copper with approximately 3% silicon and small amounts of manganese, tin, and zinc, creating a filler metal with excellent fluidity and mechanical properties.

TIG Brazing and Dissimilar Metals
A primary application for this filler metal is TIG brazing (or braze welding). Unlike fusion welding where the base metal is melted, TIG brazing uses the silicon bronze rod to create a bond at temperatures below the melting point of the steel base metal. This technique is particularly advantageous in the automotive industry and sheet metal fabrication. It significantly reduces heat input, minimizing warping and distortion on thin panels. Furthermore, when joining galvanized steel, the lower heat input preserves the corrosion-resistant zinc coating adjacent to the weld, reducing the risk of future rust and minimizing hazardous zinc fumes.

Technical Performance
The Harris Silicon Bronze rod exhibits a solidus of 1780° F and a liquidus of 1880° F. It provides a tensile strength of 50,000 psi, making it suitable for structural applications within its class. It is the ideal filler for joining silicon bronze, copper-silicon, and copper-zinc base metals to themselves or to steel. It is also frequently used for surfacing steel parts to provide a bearing surface or corrosion resistance. The rod performs best using Direct Current Electrode Negative (DCEN) with pure Argon shielding gas, which promotes a stable arc and clean deposit.

Applications
From artistic metal sculptures requiring a color match to bronze, to heavy-duty industrial repairs involving cast iron to copper joining, this rod covers a broad spectrum of needs. Its ease of use and ability to bridge gaps in fit-up make it a favorite among skilled TIG welders. Ensure you have the right tungsten (2% Thoriated or Lanthanated recommended) and clean base materials for the best results.