Stainless MIG/TIG

GMAW and GTAW with stainless steel solid wire for austenitic stainless steel applications.

Stainless MIG (GMAW) and TIG (GTAW) wire is classified under AWS A5.9. The same alloy designations apply as stick electrodes: ER308L matches 304 stainless, ER309L handles dissimilar joints, ER316L adds molybdenum for marine and chemical resistance. The "ER" prefix means the wire can be used as either an electrode (MIG) or a rod (TIG).

Shielding gas selection is critical for stainless wire. TIG uses pure argon. MIG typically uses a tri-mix of helium, argon, and CO2 (such as 90% He / 7.5% Ar / 2.5% CO2) or a simpler 98% Ar / 2% CO2 blend. Pure CO2 causes excessive oxidation and carbon pickup in stainless welds. The wrong gas choice can compromise corrosion resistance even with the correct filler wire.

TIG welding stainless produces the cleanest results with the least heat input, which minimizes distortion and preserves corrosion resistance. MIG is faster but introduces more heat. For thin stainless sheet (under 1/8 inch), TIG is strongly preferred. For structural stainless or production work, MIG with pulse transfer gives a good balance of speed and quality.

Stainless MIG/TIG Electrodes

At a Glance

Choosing the Right Stainless MIG/TIG Consumable

With 3 options in this category, the choice comes down to the base metal alloy and the service environment. The comparisons below break down the specific differences.

Comparisons

Application Guides

Related Resources