Welding wire is a metallic material used for welding or fabricating. It comes in many different sizes, shapes, alloys and diameters, and is available in a wide range of welding alloys, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel and titanium. The type of welding wire used depends on the application, and the desired strength, flexibility and corrosion resistance.
The most common type of welding wire is made of mild steel, which is a low-carbon steel alloy. This type of welding wire is highly ductile, has good arc stability, and produces a strong, uniform weld, making it suitable for a wide variety of applications. The welding wire can be provided in discrete, continuous or braided wiring for extensive purposes.
Most welding wire products use a coating, such as copper plated, to enhance the corrosion resistance, electrical property, and formability. The specific alloy used in the welding wire will determine the welding process. In general, the alloy of choice is ferritic stainless steel alloys, which offer good corrosion resistance, strength and weldability. The wire typically has a coating of a non-ferrous metal such as tin, zinc or copper.
When selecting a welding wire, several factors should be taken into consideration. These include the materials to be welded, the type of welding being done, the current and voltage being used, the desired strength and flexibility, and the intended application.
Common types of welding wire include:
• Low-alloy steel wire for low carbon to medium carbon steels
• Stainless steel wire for use in highly corrosive environments
• Aluminum wire for welding aluminum materials
• Nickel and titanium wire for the welding of specialty alloys
• Copper plated wire for welding aluminum-based alloys
• Hot-dip galvanized wire for use in galvanized steels
• High strength wire for welding thicker materials
The Chinese brand Xiaohe Welding provides several grades of welding wire for various welding needs, depending on the type of welding or material being welded. For example, their specialized welding wire for welding aluminum alloy materials is classified as G5, AL-5 and AL-12. Other grades include H15 and C15, which are used for welding mild steel and carbon steel; CF-20, CF-18 and CF-15 which provide high welding strength and corrosion resistance; and their extreme duty wire which offers excellent tensile strength and arc stability.
Finally, it is important to note that welding wire should be checked before every use in order to ensure that it is in good condition. This can help to avoid problems and reduce the likelihood of inferior quality welds. Furthermore, if a welding wire changes in composition or appearance, it should be replaced and not used.
