Washington Alloy 33 Lb. .035 Stainless Steel MIG Wire ER308L for Superior Welds and Corrosion Resistance
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Filler metal details and selection
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Why Stainless Welds Lose Corrosion Resistance
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Stainless steel can lose corrosion resistance after welding when the weld area is overheated, not cleaned properly, or matched with the wrong filler. The base metal may still be stainless, but the weld zone can become more vulnerable to rust staining, pitting, and premature attack.
Key Takeaways
- Heat tint is a warning sign, not just a cosmetic issue.
- Oxide scale can reduce corrosion resistance around the weld bead and heat-affected zone.
- Filler metal must match the base alloy and service requirement.
- Contamination from carbon steel tools, grinding dust, or dirty handling can cause surface corrosion.
- Post-weld cleaning matters as much as weld appearance.
Why stainless weld corrosion starts
Stainless steel depends on a passive chromium oxide layer for corrosion resistance. Welding disrupts that layer. If the weld overheats, oxygen reacts with the surface and creates heat tint. That discoloration indicates oxide formation and possible chromium depletion near the surface.
When chromium is tied up in oxide scale, the surface cannot protect itself as effectively. In corrosive service, that area can fail before the surrounding base metal.
Common support-level causes
- Excess heat input: High amperage, slow travel, or poor technique can widen the heat-affected zone and increase tint.
- Shielding gas issues: Poor coverage can allow oxidation during solidification. Exact gas mix requirements depend on the process and joint. Unknown (Verify).
- Wrong filler metal: A filler that does not match the base stainless grade can reduce corrosion performance. Verify alloy family before welding.
- Surface contamination: Oil, chlorides, marking ink, grinding dust, and carbon steel contamination can all start corrosion.
- Backside oxidation: Root-side oxidation on pipe and tube welds can be a major corrosion point if purge control is poor.
Troubleshooting support checklist
- Confirm the base metal grade from the job traveler, drawing, or MTR. If not available, Unknown (Verify).
- Verify the filler specification before production starts.
- Check whether the weld shows light straw, blue, purple, or dark heat tint. Darker tint usually means higher oxidation risk.
- Inspect for carbon steel contact from wire brushes, clamps, grinders, or handling tables.
- Review gas coverage, nozzle condition, and stickout for the process used.
- Inspect the root side for purge quality on tubes, pipe, and enclosed joints.
- Confirm cleaning procedure after welding.
Heat tint and cleaning
Heat tint should be treated as a corrosion-control issue. Removing it helps restore surface performance, but removal method matters. Use only cleaning methods approved for the material and the job. Aggressive grinding can damage the surface and create more contamination.
If the application requires higher corrosion resistance, pickling and passivation may be specified. Exact chemistry and process requirements are application-dependent. Unknown (Verify).
Filler verification
For stainless support work, filler selection must be checked before the weld is made. A mismatch may not show immediately, but it can affect long-term performance in service.
For general stainless MIG work, the listed ArcWeld product is:
Washington Alloy 33 Lb. .035 Stainless Steel MIG Wire ER308L for Superior Welds and Corrosion Resistance
Discover the premier choice in welding materials with Washington Alloy 33 lb. Spool MIG Wire. This high-quality stainless steel MIG wire is designed specifically for exceptional performance in various welding applications. With a diameter of .035 inches, this 308L stainless steel wire offers the perfect balance of strength and versatility. Crafted for professional welders and DIY enthusiasts alike, Washington Allo…
View at Arc Weld StoreUse the filler only when it matches the job specification and base metal requirements. If the stainless grade or service condition is not confirmed, stop and verify before production welding.
When corrosion shows up after welding
If a weld already shows rust staining or early corrosion, check these points in order:
- Was the base metal truly stainless, and what grade was it?
- Was the correct filler used?
- Was there visible heat tint or oxidation?
- Were tools dedicated to stainless work?
- Was the weld cleaned and passivated if required?
- Was the part exposed to chloride-containing cleaners, salt, or process chemicals?
Support guidance for buyers and maintenance teams
When corrosion resistance matters, buy and stage stainless wire by verified alloy family, not by wire diameter alone. Keep stainless consumables separated from carbon steel consumables. Label storage clearly. Cross-contamination is a common shop-floor failure mode.
For repeat jobs, document the base metal grade, filler, shielding gas, cleaning method, and post-weld treatment so the same defect does not repeat.
Safety notes
- Use approved PPE for welding, grinding, and chemical cleaning.
- Do not mix stainless and carbon steel wire brushes or grinding tools unless contamination control is verified.
- Follow the SDS and the process procedure for any pickling or passivation chemicals.
- Do not assume weld color is acceptable in corrosion service. Appearance is not proof of performance.
FAQ
Does blue or brown discoloration always mean failure?
No. But it does indicate oxidation and reduced corrosion margin. The service environment decides how serious it is.
Can I fix stainless weld corrosion by cleaning the bead?
Sometimes. If the damage is only surface oxidation, cleaning and passivation may help. If the weld metal or base metal has already been attacked, repair may be required. Unknown (Verify).
Is ER308L always the right filler for stainless?
No. ER308L is common for some austenitic stainless applications, but filler choice depends on base metal grade and service conditions. Verify the specification before use.
Why does stainless rust near welds first?
The weld zone sees heat tint, dilution, and possible contamination. That area often has the weakest passive layer and is the first place corrosion appears.
Sources Checked
- Weld Support Parts internal product page for stainless MIG wire
- Weld Support Parts blog: Best MIG Wire for Stainless Steel (ER308L vs ER309L)
Related Weld Support Guides
Common 70 Series Stick Electrodes: 7014 vs 7018 vs 7024
The E7014, E7018, and E7024 stick electrodes are all part of the AWS E70XX family, meaning they are designed to produce welds with approximately 70,000 PSI tensile strength. While they share similar strength ratings, they behave very differently in arc characteristics, penetration, slag control, deposition rate, position capability, and ideal applications.
Choosing the wrong rod often causes unnecessary grinding, poor fusion, slag inclusions, excessive spatter, difficult starts, or failed weld inspections. Understanding where each rod performs best helps reduce rework and improves weld consistency.
Key Takeaways
- E7014 is a general-purpose drag rod with easy arc control and moderate penetration.
- E7018 is a low-hydrogen structural electrode commonly used for critical welds and code work.
- E7024 is a high-deposition flat and horizontal rod designed for production welding.
- 7018 requires dry storage and proper handling to maintain low-hydrogen properties.
- 7024 is often called a “jet rod” because of its high fill rate and fast travel speed.
- 7014 is frequently chosen for repair work, hobby fabrication, and thinner mild steel.
What the Electrode Numbers Mean
AWS SMAW electrode numbers provide basic classification information:
- 70 = 70,000 PSI tensile strength
- 1 = All-position capability
- 2 = Flat and horizontal only
- 4 or 8 = Flux coating and current characteristics
The final digit significantly changes how the rod welds, including penetration profile, slag behavior, deposition rate, and preferred polarity.
7014 Stick Electrode Overview
E7014 is a rutile iron-powder electrode known for smooth arc starts, easy slag release, and forgiving handling. It is commonly used for general fabrication, repair work, and light structural welding on clean mild steel.
What 7014 Is Good For
- General fabrication
- Farm equipment repair
- Beginner-friendly stick welding
- Sheet metal and lighter sections
- Short welds and intermittent welding
- Home shop projects
7014 Characteristics
| Feature | 7014 Behavior |
|---|---|
| Penetration | Moderate |
| Arc Stability | Smooth and forgiving |
| Slag Removal | Usually easy |
| Position Capability | All position |
| Deposition Rate | Moderate |
| Preferred Users | General repair and fabrication |
7014 performs best on clean material. Rust, oil, paint, and mill scale can still cause porosity and inconsistent arc behavior.
7018 Stick Electrode Overview
E7018 is a low-hydrogen iron-powder electrode designed for structural welding, pressure applications, and critical fabrication where crack resistance matters. It is one of the most commonly specified stick electrodes in structural steel work.
What 7018 Is Good For
- Structural steel
- Code welding
- Pressure vessel fabrication
- Trailer fabrication
- Heavy equipment repair
- Critical joints requiring crack resistance
7018 Characteristics
| Feature | 7018 Behavior |
|---|---|
| Penetration | Moderate to deep |
| Arc Stability | Very smooth |
| Slag Removal | Usually peels easily |
| Position Capability | All position |
| Deposition Rate | Moderate to high |
| Main Advantage | Low hydrogen and strong weld quality |
Important 7018 Storage Notes
7018 electrodes absorb moisture rapidly once exposed to air. Excess moisture can introduce hydrogen into the weld and increase cracking risk.
- Store in a rod oven when required by procedure
- Keep sealed until use
- Discard rods showing damaged flux or moisture exposure
- Follow manufacturer rebake procedures if applicable
Improperly stored 7018 rods frequently cause porosity, worm tracking, unstable arc starts, and hydrogen cracking.
7024 Stick Electrode Overview
E7024 is a high iron-powder electrode designed primarily for flat and horizontal welding. It produces a very high deposition rate and is commonly used for production welding where speed matters more than positional versatility.
What 7024 Is Good For
- Production fabrication
- Long flat welds
- Fillet welds on thick material
- Heavy plate fabrication
- Fast fill passes
- Shop welding environments
7024 Characteristics
| Feature | 7024 Behavior |
|---|---|
| Penetration | Shallow to moderate |
| Arc Stability | Very smooth |
| Slag Removal | Heavy slag system |
| Position Capability | Flat and horizontal only |
| Deposition Rate | Very high |
| Main Advantage | Fast welding speed |
7024 is commonly called a drag rod because operators often drag the flux coating directly on the workpiece during welding.
7014 vs 7018 vs 7024 Comparison
| Electrode | Best Use | Penetration | Position | Main Advantage | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7014 | General repair and fabrication | Moderate | All position | Easy to use | Not ideal for critical structural work |
| 7018 | Structural and critical welds | Moderate to deep | All position | Low hydrogen strength | Requires dry storage |
| 7024 | Production flat welding | Shallow to moderate | Flat/horizontal only | Very fast deposition | Limited position capability |
Common Wrong-Rod Mistakes
- Using 7024 for vertical welds
- Using moisture-contaminated 7018 rods
- Assuming all “70 series” rods weld similarly
- Using 7014 on dirty or heavily rusted material without prep
- Choosing 7024 where deeper penetration is required
- Using 7018 without sufficient amperage for stable arc performance
Visual Weld Characteristics
| Electrode | Typical Bead Appearance | Slag Profile | Spatter Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7014 | Smooth and uniform | Medium slag | Low to moderate |
| 7018 | Dense and smooth | Heavy but clean peeling slag | Low |
| 7024 | Wide high-fill bead | Heavy slag coverage | Very low |
What Usually Wears Out First
In stick welding systems, poor weld quality is often related to worn support components rather than the electrode itself.
- Loose electrode holders
- Damaged stinger jaws
- Overheated cable connections
- Cracked work clamps
- Excessively worn welding leads
- Poor grounding connections
Voltage drop from damaged leads or weak grounding can make 7018 especially difficult to run consistently.
Inspection and Test Steps
- Verify correct polarity for the electrode type
- Inspect rod coating for cracks or moisture damage
- Check amperage against rod diameter recommendations
- Confirm clean grounding surfaces
- Inspect weld bead for undercut, porosity, or slag inclusions
- Chip and brush between passes when using heavy slag electrodes
Safety Notes
- Always use proper ventilation during SMAW welding
- Wear approved welding PPE and eye protection
- Inspect electrode holders and leads before welding
- Remove flammable materials from the work area
- Follow AWS and OSHA electrical safety practices
FAQ
Which rod is easiest for beginners?
7014 is generally easier for beginners because it has a forgiving arc and smooth slag release.
Why is 7018 considered stronger?
7018 provides low-hydrogen weld deposits with excellent mechanical properties and crack resistance for structural applications.
Can 7024 be used vertically?
No. Standard 7024 electrodes are intended for flat and horizontal welding only.
Does 7014 require a rod oven?
Typically no, but rods should still be stored dry and protected from moisture contamination.
Next Step
Before selecting a stick electrode, verify material thickness, weld position, service requirements, penetration needs, and whether low-hydrogen performance is required. Choosing the correct rod for the application reduces rework, improves weld quality, and minimizes weld failures in the field.
Sources Checked
- AWS A5.1 Carbon Steel Electrodes Specification
- Lincoln Electric SMAW Electrode Selection Guides
- Miller Electric SMAW Electrode Reference Material
- ESAB Stick Electrode Product Data
- OSHA Welding Safety Guidance
6011 Rod Penetration Problems Troubleshooting: Polarity, Amperage, Arc Length, and Technique Fixes
6011 rod penetration problems usually come from low amperage, wrong polarity, weak AC output, long arc length, poor work lead connection, fast travel speed, electrode diameter mismatch, or poor joint preparation. E6011 is designed as a deep-penetrating, fast-freeze stick electrode, so if it is only laying metal on top, the first checks are current, polarity, arc force, work clamp condition, rod size, and whether the arc is actually digging into the joint root.
Do not correct poor penetration by weaving wider or piling on more weld metal. A wider bead can hide lack of fusion at the root and sidewalls. For repair work, grind or gouge out the suspect weld, clean the joint, verify rod size and amperage range, run the electrode on the correct current type, hold a tight arc, and use a controlled whip-and-pause or stringer technique suited to the position.
Common Symptoms
| Symptom | Likely Cause | First Check |
|---|---|---|
| Bead sits high with little tie-in | Low amperage, long arc, or travel too fast | Increase amperage within rod range and shorten arc |
| Root does not open or keyhole | Insufficient heat, poor fit-up, or wrong electrode angle | Check root gap, land, and rod angle |
| Arc keeps snuffing out on AC | Low open-circuit voltage or poor connection | Verify machine capability and clean work clamp point |
| Lots of spatter but no digging arc | Long arc length or unstable current | Hold arc close and check leads |
| Burn-through on thin material | Too much amperage or rod too large | Drop rod size or use lower amperage |
| Good penetration on DC but weak on AC | AC machine output or rod condition issue | Try DC+ if available and verify dry electrodes |
Root Cause Analysis
E6011 is a high-cellulose electrode intended for forceful arc action and all-position welding. It can run on AC or DC reverse polarity, but the machine, lead condition, rod condition, and operator technique still determine penetration. If amperage is too low, arc length too long, or the work return is poor, the rod loses its digging action and the weld bead washes over the surface instead of fusing into the joint.
For 6011 work, the arc should be controlled close to the puddle and directed into the joint. Internal stick-welding problems often overlap with general arc-control issues, so compare the setup against 6011 rod AC vs DC best practices and stick welding arc control guidance when the bead shape, travel speed, and amperage response do not match the rod size.
Quick Checks Before Changing Rods
- Verify the electrode is E6011, not E6013, E7014, or another mild-steel rod with a different penetration profile.
- Check the rod diameter against base metal thickness and joint opening.
- Confirm polarity. E6011 is commonly used on AC or DC electrode positive, but verify the rod manufacturer’s label.
- Clean the work clamp area to bright metal and move the clamp closer to the weld.
- Inspect electrode holder jaws, lead lugs, cable damage, and loose connections.
- Hold a short arc. A long arc creates spatter and reduces control at the root.
- Use stringers or controlled whip-and-pause, not a wide cover weave to force penetration.
- Run a test bead on matching scrap before rewelding the part.
Main Causes of Poor 6011 Penetration
| Cause | What Happens | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| Amperage too low | Arc does not dig; bead rides high | Increase within published range |
| Wrong polarity | Arc force and penetration change | Use rod-label polarity; test DC+ where allowed |
| Weak AC output | Arc starts poorly or keeps going out | Use suitable AC machine or DC output if available |
| Arc too long | Spatter increases and heat spreads away from root | Hold tight arc, roughly near rod-core diameter |
| Travel too fast | Puddle does not dwell long enough to fuse | Slow down and watch root/sidewall tie-in |
| Rod too small | Not enough current capacity for joint thickness | Use correct diameter or multipass prep |
| Rod too large | Hard to control on thin work; burns through | Drop diameter and amperage |
| Poor joint prep | Arc cannot reach the root or sidewalls | Bevel, gap, clean, and fit the joint correctly |
Inspection Steps
- Look for a bead that is tall, ropey, or sitting on top of mill scale rather than tying into both sides.
- Inspect the backside of open-root practice coupons where possible. Lack of root fusion means technique or setup needs correction.
- Check whether slag is trapped ahead of the puddle. Slag in the leading edge can block fusion.
- Check rod starts and restarts. Cold starts often show weak penetration before the puddle is established.
- Inspect the work clamp and lead connections for heat discoloration, looseness, rust, paint, or undersized cable.
- Break, bend, cut, or etch practice coupons where allowed to confirm penetration instead of judging surface appearance only.
Test Procedures
| Test | Procedure | What It Tells You |
|---|---|---|
| Polarity comparison | Run the same rod on AC and DC+ where allowed | Shows whether the machine/current choice is limiting penetration |
| Amperage ladder | Run beads from low to high within rod range | Shows the point where arc force and tie-in improve |
| Arc-length test | Compare tight arc to long arc on scrap | Long arc usually increases spatter and weakens root control |
| Travel-speed test | Run slow, normal, and fast stringers | Fast travel commonly leaves poor sidewall fusion |
| Work-lead test | Move clamp to clean metal near weld | Improvement points to poor return path |
| Cut-and-etch check | Section a practice bead or fillet where allowed | Confirms actual root and sidewall penetration |
Visual Wear and Setup Indicators
- Rod sticks repeatedly even after amperage is increased slightly.
- Electrode holder jaws are burned, loose, dirty, or do not grip the rod tightly.
- Work clamp is attached to paint, rust, table slats, or far from the weld.
- Arc changes sound when the lead is moved.
- Rod coating is damaged, damp, broken, or flaking.
- Weld bead has undercut from excessive current or long arc, but still lacks root fusion.
- Slag is trapped at the toe or root because the puddle is not being controlled.
Compatibility Notes
E6011 compatibility depends on the welder output, current type, open-circuit voltage, electrode diameter, base metal thickness, and joint design. A small AC buzz box may run 6011 differently than a DC inverter with arc-force control. Some inverters run cellulosic electrodes better than others. If the arc is weak, unstable, or hard to restart, verify the machine manual for E6011 or cellulose-electrode support before blaming the rod.
Do not use 6011 as a substitute for a qualified structural, pressure, or code procedure unless the WPS allows it. For final passes requiring low hydrogen, impact requirements, or specific strength, verify whether 7018, 8018, or another rod is required after the root or repair pass.
What To Verify Before Ordering
- Electrode classification: E6011, AWS A5.1 where required.
- Rod diameter: 3/32 in, 1/8 in, 5/32 in, or other size.
- Current type and polarity allowed by the rod manufacturer.
- Welder output range and whether the machine supports cellulose electrodes well.
- Base metal type, thickness, coating, and cleanliness.
- Joint type: fillet, lap, butt, open root, patch, pipe, frame, or repair groove.
- Position: flat, horizontal, vertical-up, vertical-down, or overhead.
- Inspection requirement: visual only, bend, macroetch, code, customer, or WPS.
- Whether follow-up fill/cap passes require a different electrode.
Common Wrong-Part Mistakes
- Buying 6013 when deep penetration was expected from 6011.
- Using 5/32 in rods on a machine that cannot supply stable current for that size.
- Using 3/32 in rods on thick plate without proper bevel, gap, or multipass plan.
- Running damp or damaged rods and blaming the machine.
- Assuming AC and DC+ will behave the same on every welder.
- Using 6011 for a final code weld when the procedure requires low-hydrogen electrodes.
- Trying to overcome poor joint prep with extra amperage.
Field Fix vs Proper Fix
A field fix is to clean the clamp point, tighten the leads, switch to the correct polarity, increase amperage within the rod range, shorten the arc, slow travel, and run a test coupon. If penetration improves on scrap, correct the joint prep and repeat the weld on the part only if the repair requirement allows it.
The proper fix is to remove the defective weld, prepare the joint so the arc can reach the root, verify rod classification and diameter, set current from the electrode manufacturer range, confirm machine output, and weld with the technique required for the joint and position. For critical work, confirm penetration by the required inspection method before accepting the repair.
Related Failure Paths
6011 penetration problems connect to lack of fusion, cold lap, slag inclusion, excessive spatter, arc blow, rod sticking, burn-through, undercut, poor root opening, poor work return, and wrong electrode selection. Correct the electrical circuit, joint prep, rod size, and arc control before deciding the electrode itself is bad.
Safety Notes
- Do not leave suspected lack of penetration in structural, lifting, pressure, trailer, frame, or safety-critical welds without inspection approval.
- Wear welding helmet, gloves, jacket, eye protection, and respiratory protection suitable for the coating and base metal.
- Remove paint, oil, solvents, galvanizing, and unknown coatings safely before welding.
- Use ventilation. Cellulosic stick welding produces fumes and spatter.
- Do not weld on closed containers, fuel tanks, or unknown vessels without proper cleaning and hot-work controls.
- Disconnect power before servicing holders, cables, or machine terminals.
Sources Checked
Checked 6011, 6010, mild-steel electrode, polarity, arc length, amperage, joint prep, and stick welding technique references. Exact amperage and repair acceptance remain Unknown (Verify) until rod brand, diameter, machine output, base metal thickness, joint design, position, and WPS or inspection requirement are confirmed.
Washington Alloy THF-700HT-173 Hard Face Flux-Cored MIG Wire Fitment Guide
Washington Alloy THF-700HT-173 is a .045 in. hard face flux-cored MIG wire supplied on a 33 lb spool for rebuilding worn steel parts exposed to metal-to-metal abrasion. This article is built to help maintenance shops, repair departments, and industrial buyers verify whether this hardfacing wire matches the job before ordering.
For current availability, order verification, and shipping details,
$357.05 In Stock
Washington Alloy THF-700HT-173 Hard Face Flux-Cored Mig Wire .045 x 33 Lb. Spool
Key Takeaways
- Product: Washington Alloy THF-700HT-173 hard face flux-cored MIG wire.
- Size: .045 in. wire on a 33 lb spool.
- Primary use: high metal-to-metal abrasion applications.
- Deposit structure: martensitic; designed to work harden in service.
- Common applications include rollers, conveyor screws, crusher rolls, and mill hammers.
- Verify machine capacity, drive rolls, liner size, polarity, shielding gas, and base metal condition before ordering.
Product Overview
Washington Alloy 700HT is a hardfacing flux-cored wire intended for wear-facing work where abrasion resistance is more important than general fabrication weld strength. The Arc Weld Store listing describes this product as primarily used for high metal-to-metal abrasion. The manufacturer technical data states that 700HT produces martensitic weld deposits that work harden in service and bond well with fatigued or older hard-faced deposits.
This is not a general-purpose ER70S-6 replacement. It should be selected when the repair objective is wear resistance on appropriate steel components, not when the job requires a mild steel structural filler wire.
Upper-middle CTA: Need the .045 in. 33 lb spool?
$357.05 In Stock
Washington Alloy THF-700HT-173 Hard Face Flux-Cored Mig Wire .045 x 33 Lb. Spool
Best For
- Industrial maintenance hardfacing.
- Metal recovery on worn steel components.
- High abrasion areas where parts see metal-to-metal wear.
- Crusher rolls, mill hammers, conveyor screws, rollers, and similar wear parts.
- Repair departments that need a full 33 lb spool for recurring hardface work.
Key Specs
| Field | Verified Detail |
| Brand | Washington Alloy |
| Product | THF-700HT-173 Hard Face Flux-Cored MIG Wire |
| SKU | THF-700HT-173 – 1 SPOOL |
| Wire diameter | .045 in. |
| Spool weight | 33 lb |
| Wire type | Hardfacing flux-cored wire |
| Polarity from manufacturer procedure | DCEP |
| Typical .045 in. procedure range | Wire speed 195–475 ipm; amps 125–245; volts 25–29; electrical stickout 1/2–1 in.; CO2 35–45 cfh |
| Mixed gas note | Manufacturer TDS notes 1–2 volts lower used with mixed gas |
| Typical hardness | Rockwell C 58–61 per manufacturer TDS |
| Typical weld metal chemistry | Carbon, chromium, manganese, silicon, molybdenum, tungsten, nickel, vanadium, phosphorus, sulfur listed by manufacturer TDS |
| AWS classification | Unknown (Verify) |
| Certifications | Unknown (Verify) |
Compatibility / Fitment Notes
Fitment for this product is less about torch model and more about whether your MIG or FCAW system can correctly feed and run .045 in. hardfacing flux-cored wire. Before ordering, verify that your feeder accepts 33 lb spools, your drive rolls match .045 in. flux-cored wire, your gun liner is sized correctly, and your power source can run the required amperage and voltage range.
Compatibility with a specific welding machine, feeder, gun, liner, drive roll, contact tip, shielding gas blend, or base metal is Unknown (Verify) unless confirmed against your equipment documentation and the manufacturer procedure data.
Before You Order
- Machine model: Confirm your welder can run .045 in. FCAW hardfacing wire in the required output range.
- Wire feeder: Verify 33 lb spool capacity and hub compatibility.
- Drive rolls: Confirm the correct .045 in. flux-cored drive roll style. Compatibility: Unknown (Verify).
- Gun liner: Confirm the liner supports .045 in. wire and is clean enough for consistent feed.
- Contact tips: Use contact tips sized for .045 in. wire. Brand and series compatibility: Unknown (Verify).
- Polarity: Manufacturer procedure data lists DCEP.
- Shielding gas: Manufacturer procedure data lists CO2 ranges and notes lower voltage with mixed gas. Verify your exact procedure.
- Base metal: Confirm the part is suitable for hardfacing and that previous deposits, cracking, or contamination are addressed.
- Preheat/interpass: Manufacturer TDS notes that 300–500°F preheat/interpass may yield superior properties.
- Application: Confirm the job is abrasion-focused rather than a structural joining weld.
- Safety documentation: Review the SDS before use and confirm shop ventilation, PPE, and fume controls.
Accessories / Compatible Products
Because consumable fit depends on your exact MIG gun, feeder, and wire path, do not order tips, liners, nozzles, or drive rolls by wire diameter alone. Match the consumable series to your gun and confirm the .045 in. size before purchase.
- View drive rolls at Arc Weld Store — verify .045 in. flux-cored compatibility before ordering.
- View MIG consumables at Arc Weld Store — confirm contact tip, nozzle, diffuser, and liner series fitment.
- Compare hard surface MIG wire at Arc Weld Store — useful when hardness, abrasion level, or wire size needs differ.
- View respiratory protection options at Arc Weld Store — verify required protection for your shop’s exposure assessment.
Weld Support Parts Breakdown Reference
No torch-specific parts breakdown is required to identify this wire because the product is a welding consumable, not a gun or torch assembly. For safety documentation, review the confirmed hardfacing flux-cored SDS before use.
If you are replacing contact tips, liners, nozzles, diffusers, or drive rolls at the same time, use the parts breakdown for your specific MIG gun or feeder before ordering those items.
Common Applications
- Crusher roll repair.
- Mill hammer hardfacing.
- Conveyor screw rebuilding.
- Roller wear-facing.
- Industrial equipment repair where metal-to-metal abrasion is the primary failure mode.
- Maintenance welding on older hard-faced deposits when procedure and base metal condition are verified.
Shipping / Returns Notes
The Arc Weld Store product page lists free ground shipping to the lower 48 on qualifying orders, shipment from Corydon, Indiana, typical 1–2 business day shipping unless noted, and returns accepted on unused items in original packaging. Confirm current shipping, pickup, and return details on the product page before purchasing.
FAQ
Is Washington Alloy THF-700HT-173 a general MIG wire?
No. It is a hardfacing flux-cored MIG wire intended for abrasion-resistant deposits. Use a general-purpose filler only when the application calls for it.
What wire size is this spool?
The Arc Weld Store listing identifies this product as .045 in. wire on a 33 lb spool.
What polarity does the manufacturer procedure list?
The Washington Alloy technical data sheet lists DCEP for the typical FCAW welding procedures.
Can I use my existing MIG gun consumables?
Compatibility is Unknown (Verify). Confirm your gun series, liner size, contact tip size, drive roll style, and feeder capacity before ordering replacement consumables.
Does this wire require shielding gas?
The manufacturer procedure table lists CO2 flow ranges and notes voltage adjustment when using mixed gas. Verify the exact gas recommendation for your procedure, position, machine, and base metal.
Where should I buy Washington Alloy THF-700HT-173?
For this product, use Arc Weld Store as the primary ordering source:
$357.05 In Stock
Washington Alloy THF-700HT-173 Hard Face Flux-Cored Mig Wire .045 x 33 Lb. Spool
