Welding Wire at Engweld
MIG welding wire is a consumable that is used in the process of metal inert gas (MIG) welding otherwise known as GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding).
There are two forms of 'MIG' welding - MIG & MAG. Both are very similar, but the main difference is the shielding gas being used. For carbon steel welding, the process will be MAG welding, as this requires an active gas mix, aluminium welding would be classed as MIG, as there's no active gas within the shielding gas mix, active gasses include Carbon Dioxide, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Hydrogen, the term 'active gas' means they are not an inert gas.
There are various types of MAG & MIG welding wires available to buy here today, each designed for specific applications and materials. The choice of MIG wire type will depend on factors like the base metal shielding gas mix being used, the desired welding characteristics and, in some instances, the welding equipment being used.
Best-Selling MIG Welding Wire Products:
Types of Welding Wire Available
ER70S-6 is the most common and versatile type of MIG welding wire for welding mild and low-alloy steels. Mild steel MIG wire is typically made of low-carbon steel and other metals. Mild steel MIG wire are also available on either metal or plastic baskets depending on your requirements and can be delivered in reels by the ton on a pallet or in bulk packs should this be correct for your welding performance. For all your mild steel requirements, we're your ideal partner.
The ER308, ER309 and ER316 stainless steel MIG wire options are used for welding stainless steel. The specific type of stainless steel wire corresponds to the grade of stainless steel being welded. These wires help maintain the corrosion resistance of stainless steel after welding. Wire diameters are available from 0.8mm to 1.6mm.
ER4043 and ER5356 are the most-commonly used aluminium MIG wires for general-purpose aluminium welding. They also come in different grades and the ideal choice will depend on the specific alloy being welded. There are copper-coated MIG wires designed to reduce the buildup of copper on the contact tip of welding torches.
Flux core MIG welding wires contain a flux at the centre of the wire that provides a shielding gas when it reacts with the arc’s heat. Flux cored welding wire is suitable for outdoor and windy conditions because it's less affected by environmental factors. However, you typically get self-shielded and shielded types of flux cored wires. Wire diameters are available from 0.8mm to 1.6mm.
Some flux cored wires still require a shielding gas. The flux within the wire is not only used for shielding gas purposes, this flux also provides critical properties and characteristics to the weld. Flux core develops a slag on top of the finished weld, similar to MMA (manual metal arc) also known as Stick welding. This flux needs to be removed after welding. Typically, Flux core welding will provide a higher deposition rate than the solid wire alternatives, but it comes with its own limitations.
Additionally, there are hardfacing and specialist MIG wires maufactured for specific applications and materials. Hardfacing MIG wire, such as HF600 SG6-60 1.20mm, is used to add a metal layer to surfaces that experience wear and abrasion, protecting them. Specialist MIG wires are to suit unique applications outside of typical mild steel, stainless steel or aluminium welding.
Categories Related to MIG Welding Wire:
If you need help choosing the right MIG welding wire for your welding, contact us and speak to one of our experts. We also stock TIG welding rods for different applications including steel, stainless steel and aluminium. Remember, Engweld offers next day delivery where possible, with speedy delivery to all UK mainland destinations as standard.
Do you also need MIG Welding Gas?
We also supply Argon and Argon gas welding mixtures in various purities and volumes depending on you welding requirements. Available in either single cylinders, cylinder banks of 6, 12 or 16 or in skid mounted tanks.
