Welding wire is an integral part of your projects, as it’s used to fuse and melt base metals together. With so many welding wires out there, it can be difficult to figure out which one meets your requirements.
Prioritising factors like composition and strength is paramount to a successful project. When these factors are neglected, they can cause compromised results like weaknesses, porosity, and might even jeopardise safety.
This blog will break down some of the different types of welding wire and their properties, so you can be assured that you’re making the right choice.
Your project
When picking the most suitable wire, it’s essential to consider what materials you’re using. You should opt for the same composition as the material you’re welding, for example, choosing titanium welding wire for a project where you’ll be fusing or melting titanium. By matching them up, you’re ensuring stellar results.
Another factor to consider is the strength of the welding wire. For heavy duty projects where a lot of strength is required, choose a wire that reflects this. Wires like nickel-based, titanium and aluminium are known for their strength and are therefore excellent for high performing uses including vehicles like aeroplanes or buildings.
Metal-cored wire
Metal-cored wire is made from metal powders, often iron, and can be used against a comprehensive range of metals, thin or thick, like stainless, low-alloy and mild steel. It’s strong, and can be used quickly compared to other options like flux-cored wire. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for indoor projects, anything that requires high-speed or heavy fabrications.
Flux-cored wire
Flux-cored welding wire is a popular welding wire made from a range of materials including mineral flux and metal powders. Renowned for its versatility, flux-cored wire can be used with an extensive list of types of compositions like nickel and stainless steel, as well as for a multitude of projects like horizontal welding positions and outdoor uses.
This option is deemed more forgiving than other wire makeups, and its flexible uses make it perfect for many uses including cost-effective home projects, automotive parts or even farming equipment.
Solid gas metal arc welding (GMAW) wire
Solid gas metal arc welding (GMAW) wire is a highly efficient option when it comes to welding wire. It’s inexpensive compared to other welding wires but can’t handle contaminated, dirty or thicker surfaces as well as flux-cored and metal-cored. It produces neat and clean welds, minimising clean-up afterwards and corrosion resistance.
GMAW wire offers maximum performance for projects like construction, outdoor or light-duty applications.
Why choose us
At Ti-TEK, our superior high-quality titanium has been recognised and was even featured in the 2012 London Olympics! We excel in customer service and offer outstanding advice to any customers who are unsure as to which welding wire would be most suitable for their requirements. You can contact us via telephone or email to discover how to elevate your projects.