How to Select the Right Welding Filler Wires for Stainless Steel Welding?

The welding filler wires are made from alloys or unalloyed metals. They are used in making a joint through welding, soldering or brazing. When they are melted, they flow into the space between the two fitting parts of the joint. The filler metal is available in several combinations of lead, silver, tin, zinc, copper and aluminium. 

Filler is a commonly used welding material in stainless steel electrode. However, there are various types of stainless steel welding options available and you need to be careful about the filler wire that goes into it.

Let’s take a look at the factors you need to consider while selecting filler metal in welding of stainless steel:

1. Base Material to be Welded

You have to find out which filler wire welding will match the best with the base metal. Both chemical and mechanical properties of the filler metal should match with the base metal to make stainless steel welding rod.

2. Welding Position

A flat welding position is the most ideal position. However, welders also need to operate in horizontal, vertical and overhead positions. Choose SS filler wire that offers the most versatility and efficiency in the required welding position.

One of the most popular filler materials is the E308LT1-1 as it provides good strength and can be used in all positions.

3. Welding Process

The choice of filler wire in stainless steel welding also depends on the type of welding method. MIG welding wire material needs consumable filler that can be melted by the arc to produce a quality weld. On the contrary, welding through TIG wire requires manual feeding of the filler into the molten puddle. Hence, it is recommended to use a Tungsten TIG welding wire for reference ER347 filler wire.

4. Dissimilar Metals

When you are creating SS to MS welding rod, you need proper filler. This will help to maintain superior corrosion resistance of the stainless steel and also prevent the hot-cracking defect.

5. Post-Weld Heat Treatment

Post-weld heat treatment is a necessary technique to reduce the residual stress caused by welding and its repair. The filler welding material should be capable of generating welds that can tolerate the application of heat.

Welding Wire Prices

The prices of welding filler rods vary from one manufacturer to another. Make sure that the price is within your budget and offers value for money. You can consider buying filler wires from D&H Sécheron, one of the leading and reliable welding wire manufacturers in India.