ERTi-7 TIG / GTAW filler metal is a titanium filler choice used in corrosion-resistant applications where the base metal and service conditions support its use. Do not treat the alloy designation alone as approval to weld. The correct selection depends on the WPS, the base metal grade, joint design, shielding practice, and the service environment. For titanium work, that verification step matters more than the filler label on the box.
Weld Support Parts lists ERTi-7 as a starting point for Titanium Grade 7 and corrosion-resistant CP titanium applications. That is useful for narrowing selection, but it is not a substitute for code review or manufacturer documentation. If the job is safety-critical, pressure-retaining, or corrosion-critical, verify the written weld procedure before any purchase or arc start.
Key Takeaways
- Use ERTi-7 only after you verify the WPS and base metal grade.
- Do not assume compatibility from filler designation alone.
- Check service conditions, especially corrosion exposure and temperature limits listed by the governing procedure or engineer.
- Confirm the filler manufacturer data sheet before release to the floor.
- Keep titanium handling and shielding practices tight to prevent contamination.
Selection Check: Start With the Base Metal
Begin with the parent material identification. Titanium Grade 7 is specifically called out on the filler metal page, but the job may call for another titanium grade, a different corrosion allowance, or a different filler classification. If the base metal tag is missing or the heat number cannot be traced, stop and verify before issuing filler.
Check: confirm the material certificate, part marking, or traveler notes.
Inspect: look for mixed material lots, undocumented repairs, or previous weld overlays.
Verify: compare the recorded grade against the WPS and the filler classification requirements.
If the work package does not clearly identify Grade 7, treat the fit-up as Unknown (Verify). Do not guess based on color, appearance, or prior shop practice.
Compatibility Checks for TIG / GTAW Use
ERTi-7 is used in TIG / GTAW applications, but the process alone does not confirm suitability. Check the following before welding:
- WPS match: Does the procedure explicitly allow ERTi-7 or the specified titanium filler classification?
- Base metal grade: Is the joint actually Titanium Grade 7 or another corrosion-resistant titanium grade?
- Service environment: Is the part exposed to corrosive media, elevated temperature, or cyclic loading that changes the filler choice?
- Joint design: Does the groove, root opening, and access support stable shielding and clean tie-in?
- Shielding setup: Can the torch, trailing shield, back purge, and cup size support oxidation control?
Unknown (Verify) details should stay unknown until the procedure or manufacturer data sheet confirms them. That includes any assumption about acceptable substitutions, mixed-grade repairs, or alternate consumable sources.
Troubleshooting and Support Checks
If the filler selection is uncertain, work through the problem in order rather than forcing a decision.
1. Check the paperwork. Pull the WPS, drawing notes, and material certification. Confirm the revision level matches the job packet.
2. Inspect the material identity. Verify the base metal marking and the filler label. If the label is damaged or the spool/pack is not traceable, quarantine it.
3. Verify the process controls. Titanium welds need clean surfaces and solid shielding. If you see discoloration, contamination, or inconsistent gas coverage, stop and correct the setup before continuing.
4. Confirm the source page details. Use the filler metal listing as a selection reference, not as a blanket approval. The page identifies ERTi-7 as a TIG / GTAW titanium filler for Grade 7 and corrosion-resistant CP titanium applications, but the final approval still belongs to the WPS and manufacturer documentation.
5. Escalate when the alloy is unclear. If the job may involve a different titanium grade, a repair condition, or a special corrosion requirement, route it to engineering or the welding coordinator.
WSP Lookup and Finder Pages
For related support material, use the Weld Support Parts lookup and finder tools during planning and verification. The filler metal finder is a useful starting point for sorting by process and alloy family, but it does not replace procedure approval.
Filler metal finder: https://www.weldsupportparts.com/filler-metal-finder.html
Use the finder to narrow the selection, then cross-check the result against the WPS, base metal grade, and manufacturer data sheet. If a lookup is needed for the same job family, review the corresponding Weld Support Parts reference page as part of the same verification flow. When the page evidence is incomplete, keep the decision at Unknown (Verify).
Practical Floor Checks Before Issuing the Filler
- Confirm the job traveler names the correct titanium grade.
- Check that the filler marking is legible and traceable to the lot or package.
- Verify the welder has the correct shielding gas setup for titanium work.
- Inspect torch consumables and gas delivery for leaks or contamination.
- Review whether the filler diameter matches the joint access and heat input needs listed on the procedure. If not listed, Unknown (Verify).
Do not release titanium filler based on habit or past jobs that looked similar. Titanium applications are sensitive to contamination and procedure drift.
Safety Notes
Titanium welding requires strict cleanliness and shielding discipline. Avoid handling filler with dirty gloves, contaminated benches, or unpurged gas lines. Keep the work area free of oil, grinding residue, and shop dust. If you observe black specks, erratic starts, or arc instability, stop and verify tungsten condition, gas flow, and shielding coverage before blaming the filler.
Follow site safety rules, the WPS, and the manufacturer data sheet. If the procedure, material identity, or service condition is unclear, do not weld until it is verified by the responsible authority.
FAQ
Is ERTi-7 automatically correct for any titanium Grade 7 job?
No. The base metal grade, WPS, and service condition must all support the selection. Grade 7 is specifically referenced, but you still need procedure approval.
Can I use the filler metal finder as the final approval?
No. The finder is a selection starting point. It helps narrow options, but it does not replace the WPS, code requirements, or manufacturer data sheet.
What should I do if the base metal grade is missing?
Stop and verify the material identity before welding. If the grade cannot be confirmed, treat the job as Unknown (Verify) and escalate to the responsible supervisor or engineer.
What signs suggest contamination or shielding problems?
Discoloration, black specks, dirty starts, and arc wander are common signs. Check tungsten condition, shielding coverage, purge setup, and cleanliness before continuing.
Sources Checked
- ERTi-7 TIG / GTAW Filler Metal: https://www.weldsupportparts.com/filler-metal-tig-erti-7.html
- Weld Support Parts Filler Metal Finder: https://www.weldsupportparts.com/filler-metal-finder.html
- Related support article: Square Wave 205 TIG Cup Size Selection Guide: Standard Cup, Gas Lens, and Stickout Checks
- Related support article: TIG Tungsten Contamination Troubleshooting: Black Specks, Arc Wander, Dirty Starts, and Re-Grind Checks
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