ER70S-2 TIG Rod vs ER70S-6 MIG Wire: Which to Use
ER70S-2 is primarily a TIG filler rod with superior weld purity. ER70S-6 is the standard MIG wire with higher deoxidizer content for forgiving performance on mill scale.
Key Differences
| Attribute | ER70S-2 | ER70S-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Process | TIG (GTAW) | MIG (GMAW) |
| Deoxidizers | Zirconium, titanium, aluminum | Manganese, silicon |
| Weld Purity | Higher | Standard |
| Surface Tolerance | Requires clean base metal | Handles light mill scale |
Use ER70S-2 when:
Choose ER70S-2 for TIG welding, root passes on pipe, X-ray quality welds, or any application where weld purity matters. The triple deoxidizer system produces the cleanest mild steel welds available.
Use ER70S-6 when:
Choose ER70S-6 for MIG welding in production, structural fabrication, or general-purpose work. The higher deoxidizer content handles real-world surface conditions better.
How ER70S-2 and ER70S-6 Work Together
ER70S-2 can be used as MIG wire and ER70S-6 can be used as TIG filler, but each is optimized for its primary process. Using the wrong one works but is not ideal.
Common Mistake With ER70S-2
Assuming ER70S-2 and ER70S-6 are interchangeable. They have different deoxidizer chemistries that matter for weld quality and surface tolerance.
Where to Buy
As an Amazon Associate, GageRef earns from qualifying purchases. These are affiliate links.
Data sourced from AWS A5.18.