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Welding Wire — MIG Wire, TIG Rod, Stick Electrodes & Brazing Filler Metals

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Welding Wire — Shop MIG, Flux Core, Stick & TIG Welding Wire | WeldingMart

When you need welding wire, WeldingMart stocks the full spectrum — from mig wire (solid ER70S-6 for clean GMAW) to flux core wire (self-shielded FCAW-S for outdoor and structural work), stick electrodes, TIG rod, and brazing alloys. Whether you’re running a production MIG line on mild steel, welding stainless pipe with TIG rod, or using self-shielded flux core welding wire on a windy job site, every consumable in this collection ships same-day before 3 PM CT with free freight on orders $99 and up. WeldingMart is a factory-authorized Lincoln Electric dealer and an authorized Hobart and Harris Products distributor — every spool of Lincoln SuperArc, Innershield, and Outershield wire ships factory sealed with full manufacturer warranty registered in your name. With 150+ wire and filler metal products across MIG wire (~35), stick electrodes (~60), TIG rod (~15), and brazing rod (~20), this is your single source for welding consumables at every diameter, alloy, and spool size from 2 lb through 44 lb spools and 500 lb drums. Browse by wire type, application, or top Lincoln product below.

What Is Welding Wire?

Welding wire is a broad term for any consumable filler metal fed into a weld joint to join base metals. The four common forms are: solid wire spooled for continuous-feed processes (GMAW/MIG), flux-cored wire spooled for flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), straight-cut rod for TIG welding (GTAW), and coated stick electrodes for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). Choosing the right wire type and diameter is the single most important consumable decision in any welding setup.

Solid MIG Wire vs. Flux-Cored Wire (FCAW)

Solid MIG wire (GMAW process) is a bare metal spool that requires an external shielding gas — typically 75% Argon / 25% CO₂ (C25) for mild steel or 100% Argon for aluminum. It produces clean, low-spatter welds with excellent bead appearance, making it the preferred choice for indoor shop work, auto body, and production fabrication. Flux-cored wire (FCAW) contains flux inside a hollow core that burns to create shielding, eliminating the need for a gas cylinder. Self-shielded FCAW-S — like Lincoln Innershield NR-211-MP — runs outdoors in wind without disruption. Gas-shielded FCAW-G adds external gas alongside the flux for higher deposition rates and better impact toughness on structural steel.

AWS Classification System

The AWS classification stamped on every spool tells you exactly what you’re buying: ER70S-6 = electrode/rod, 70,000 psi tensile, solid wire, 6th deoxidizer level (high silicon for dirty steel); E71T-11 = electrode, 70,000 psi, all-position, tubular (flux-cored), self-shielded; ER308L = stainless filler, low-carbon 308 alloy. Match the AWS class to your base metal and process spec before ordering.

Wire Diameter Selection

Diameter determines heat input and deposition rate. For thin sheet metal (22–18 ga) and auto body, use .023”. For general fabrication on 16 ga to 3/16” steel, .030” is the most versatile choice. Most production shops run .035” as their all-purpose diameter on 1/8”–1/4” material. For structural and heavy plate (3/8”+), step up to .045” or larger for high deposition rates. Spool sizes run from 2 lb (spool gun / small machine), 10 lb (standard shop use), 33 lb (production), and 44 lb fiber spools for sustained high-deposition operations.

Choose by Wire Type

  • MIG Wire (Solid GMAW) — ER70S-6 for mild steel, ER308L/309L/316L for stainless, ER4043/ER5356 for aluminum. The clean-running, low-spatter choice for indoor shop and production GMAW. Available .023”–.045” on 2–44 lb spools from Lincoln SuperArc and Hobart HB-28.
  • Flux-Cored Wire (FCAW) — E71T-11 / E71T-GS self-shielded for outdoor and field work; E71T-1 gas-shielded for structural and production. Lincoln Innershield NR-211-MP (FCAW-S) and Outershield 71M/71 Elite (FCAW-G) are the category flagships.
  • Stick Electrodes (SMAW) — E7018 for structural low-hydrogen code work; E6010/E6011 for pipe root passes and dirty or rusty steel; E6013 for sheet metal and training; E308L/E309L/E316L stainless rods. Lincoln Excalibur 7018 MR and Fleetweld 5P+ lead this category.
  • TIG Rod (GTAW) — ER70S-2 for mild steel root passes; ER308L for 304 stainless; ER309L for dissimilar joints; ER316L for marine/chemical; ER4043 for cast aluminum and 6061; ER5356 for 5xxx alloys. Harris and Lincoln cut-length 36” rods in 1/16”–3/32”.

Choose by Application

  • Mild Steel — ER70S-6 solid MIG wire (SuperArc L-56) or E71T-11 flux-cored (Innershield NR-211-MP) covers 95% of carbon steel work. For high-deposition structural, use Outershield 71M FCAW-G.
  • Stainless Steel — Match wire alloy to base metal: ER308L for 304/304L; ER309L for stainless-to-carbon dissimilar joints; ER316L for marine and chemical environments. Use tri-mix shielding gas (Ar/He/CO₂) for MIG on stainless.
  • Aluminum — ER4043 for cast aluminum, 6061, and 6063 (fluid puddle, crack-resistant); ER5356 for 5xxx wrought alloys and high-strength joints. Always use 100% Argon shielding gas and a spool gun or push-pull system to prevent birdnesting.
  • Hardfacing — Chromium-carbide and complex carbide hardfacing wires for wear-resistant overlays on bucket teeth, crusher jaws, and agricultural tillage equipment. Lincoln Electric Lincore series.
  • Specialty Alloys — Nickel alloys (Techalloy 625, Techalloy 82), copper alloys (ER CuSi-A silicon bronze), and low-alloy high-strength wires (SuperArc LA-90, LA-100 for 80–100 ksi applications on structural and pressure vessel work).

Top Lincoln Wire Products

Pair Your Wire With a Welder

Wire is only half the equation. WeldingMart stocks the MIG welders, stick machines, and TIG welders that run these consumables:

  • MIG & Flux-Core Welders (GMAW/FCAW) — Lincoln Power MIG 180 Dual, 215 MPi, 256, and 360MP. Feed solid ER70S-6 or flux-cored wire on one machine. Free freight on all MIG welders $99+.
  • Stick Welding Electrodes & Machines (SMAW) — Lincoln Excalibur 7018 MR, Fleetweld 5P+ E6010, and the full SMAW electrode lineup for pipeline, structural, and maintenance work.
  • TIG Welders (GTAW) — Lincoln Square Wave TIG 200, Precision TIG 225, and 375 Pro for DC and AC/DC TIG on steel, stainless, and aluminum. Pair with matching ER-class cut rods.

Welding Wire FAQ

What is the difference between MIG and flux core wire?

MIG wire (solid GMAW wire) is a bare metal electrode that requires an external shielding gas — typically 75/25 Argon-CO₂ for mild steel. It produces cleaner, lower-spatter welds best suited for indoor fabrication. Flux-core wire (FCAW) has a hollow core filled with flux that generates its own shielding protection as it burns. Self-shielded flux-core (E71T-11 like Lincoln NR-211-MP) needs no gas cylinder, making it the standard choice for outdoor welding, windy job sites, and field repair. Gas-shielded flux-core (E71T-1 like Outershield 71M) combines flux with external shielding gas for higher deposition rates and better mechanical properties on heavy structural steel. Same MIG machine runs both — you only need to swap polarity and drive rolls.

What does ER70S-6 mean?

ER = Electrode/Rod (solid wire usable in both MIG and TIG). 70 = minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi in the deposited weld metal. S = solid wire (as opposed to tubular/flux-cored). 6 = the sixth chemical composition requirement in the AWS A5.18 classification, specifying high levels of silicon and manganese deoxidizers. The “6” makes ER70S-6 the best choice for welding on steel with mill scale or light surface rust — the reason Lincoln SuperArc L-56 (ER70S-6) is the world’s most widely used MIG wire.

What wire diameter for thin metal?

For sheet metal and auto body panels (22–18 gauge), use .023” ER70S-6 with short-circuit transfer and 75/25 Ar-CO₂. The small diameter minimizes heat input and reduces burn-through risk. For 16–11 gauge general fabrication, step to .030”. For 1/8”–3/16” “everyday” shop metal, .035” is the industry standard. Reserve .045” for 1/4” and heavier plate where deposition rate matters more than burn-through prevention.

Do I need shielding gas for flux core?

It depends on the wire classification. Self-shielded flux-core (FCAW-S) — classified E71T-11 or E71T-GS — generates all shielding from the flux inside the wire and needs no external gas cylinder. This is why it’s the go-to choice for outdoor, windy, or field welding. Gas-shielded flux-core (FCAW-G) — classified E71T-1 (like Lincoln Outershield 71M) — requires a shielding gas (typically 75/25 Ar-CO₂ or 100% CO₂) just like solid MIG wire. The trade-off: FCAW-G gives higher deposition rates and better impact toughness than FCAW-S, making it the structural code welding standard.

What is the shelf life of welding wire?

Unopened solid MIG wire (ER70S-6) stored in a dry, climate-controlled environment has an indefinite shelf life — the factory anti-rust copper coating protects it for years. Once opened, re-seal the bag and store in low-humidity conditions; surface oxidation can develop in high-humidity environments within months and will degrade arc stability. Low-hydrogen stick electrodes (E7018) are moisture-sensitive and should be stored in an oven at 250–300°F after opening and used within a few hours per AWS D1.1 structural code. Flux-cored wire is less moisture-sensitive than low-hydrogen SMAW electrodes but should still be stored sealed between uses.

How much wire do I need per pound of weld?

Deposition efficiency for solid MIG wire is approximately 95–98% — nearly all the wire you feed becomes deposited weld metal, with minimal spatter loss. A rough rule: 1 lb of ER70S-6 wire deposits approximately 0.96 lb of weld metal. Flux-cored wire has lower deposition efficiency (82–86% for FCAW-S, 88–93% for FCAW-G) because some mass is consumed as slag and fume. For project planning, use the wire manufacturer’s deposition rate charts — Lincoln Electric publishes these for all SuperArc and Innershield products.

Can I use MIG wire for stick welding?

No. MIG wire (solid ER-class wire) is designed for continuous-feed wire-feed processes (GMAW and GTAW). It is not coated with the flux covering that stick electrodes (SMAW) require to generate shielding and slag. Running bare MIG wire in a stick welder would produce an unshielded arc with severe porosity and no arc stability. For stick welding, you need properly classified E-series coated electrodes (E6010, E6011, E7018, etc.) matched to your stick welder output and base metal.

WeldingMart is your factory-authorized source for Lincoln Electric, Hobart, and Harris welding wire. Same-day shipping before 3 PM CT, free freight on orders $99+, full factory warranty on every product. Browse the full wire collection above, compare classifications and spool sizes, and add your wire to the cart — our team in Appleton, WI is standing by to help you match wire to process, base metal, and diameter for your specific application.

Stock your shop completely: source Lincoln Electric Welders & Supplies and Harris Products Group consumables alongside your wire orders. Browse the full All Welding Machines & Supplies catalog for machines to pair with these consumables.

Related Categories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Lincoln SuperArc L-56 and L-50 MIG wire?
Both are ER70S-class mild steel MIG wires, but they differ in deoxidizer content. Lincoln SuperArc L-56 contains higher levels of manganese and silicon deoxidizers, making it the better choice for welding on steel with mill scale, rust, or light surface contamination — common in structural and general fabrication work. SuperArc L-50 (ER70S-3) has lower deoxidizer levels and is suited for clean, prepared base metal where premium arc characteristics and lower silicon islands on the weld face are desired, such as on material that will be painted or powder-coated.
What shielding gas should I use with ER70S-6 MIG wire?
The most common shielding gas for ER70S-6 wire like the Lincoln SuperArc L-56 is a 75% Argon / 25% CO2 blend (C25), which provides a good balance of arc stability, low spatter, and good bead profile across short-circuit, globular, and spray transfer modes. 100% CO2 is a lower-cost alternative that increases penetration and deposition but generates more spatter and a rougher bead profile. Pure Argon is not recommended for MIG welding carbon steel, as it causes an unstable arc and poor fusion.
What is Lincoln Innershield NR-211-MP and when should I use it instead of solid MIG wire?
Lincoln Innershield NR-211-MP (E71T-11) is a self-shielded flux-cored wire that requires no external shielding gas, making it ideal for outdoor, windy, or field welding where gas coverage would be disrupted. It runs on DC electrode negative (DCEN) polarity and is rated for all-position welding on mild steel up to 1/2 in. thick in larger diameters. The trade-off compared to solid MIG wire is that FCAW-S produces more fumes, requires slag removal after each pass, and typically leaves a rougher weld appearance.
What is the difference between E71T-11 and E71T-GS flux-core wire?
Both are self-shielded (gasless) flux-cored wires running on DCEN polarity, but E71T-GS is approved for single-pass welding only, making it best suited for thin-gauge sheet metal applications. E71T-11 — like Lincoln Innershield NR-211-MP — is classified for multi-pass welding and a wider range of material thicknesses up to 1/2 in. For structural or multi-pass work, always use E71T-11; using E71T-GS for multi-pass welds can result in inadequate mechanical properties in the deposited weld metal.
What is the Lincoln Outershield 71 Elite and how does it differ from self-shielded wire?
Lincoln Outershield 71 Elite is a gas-shielded flux-cored wire (FCAW-G) classified E71T-1C/1M-H8, meaning it requires external shielding gas — typically 75/25 Ar/CO2 or 100% CO2. Unlike self-shielded wire, FCAW-G produces higher deposition rates, better impact toughness, lower hydrogen content, and a smoother bead profile, making it the preferred choice for structural steel fabrication, shipbuilding, and pressure vessel work where quality and productivity must both be high. The 0.045 in. diameter on a 33 lb spool is the most common production size.
What is Lincoln SuperArc LA-75 wire and what steel is it for?
SuperArc LA-75 is a low-alloy MIG wire classified ER80S-Ni1 containing approximately 1% nickel. It is designed for welding weathering (Cor-Ten) structural steels on bridges and buildings, as well as for applications requiring excellent low-temperature Charpy impact toughness such as cryogenic vessels and cold-climate construction equipment. Its 80,000 psi minimum tensile strength deposit makes it appropriate for higher-strength steels where standard ER70S-6 would be undermatched.
What MIG wire diameter should I use for welding thin-gauge sheet metal versus heavy plate?
For sheet metal and thin gauge steel (18 ga. to 3/16 in.), a 0.023 in. or 0.025 in. wire diameter with short-circuit transfer provides the lowest heat input and best control over burn-through. For general fabrication up to 1/2 in. plate, 0.030 in. or 0.035 in. is the most versatile choice. For heavy structural work and high-deposition production welding on plate 3/8 in. and thicker, 0.045 in. or larger wire with spray transfer or FCAW-G offers the highest deposition rates and best productivity.
Can I use Lincoln SuperArc L-56 wire for stainless steel welding?
No — SuperArc L-56 is formulated for mild and low-alloy carbon steel only, and using it on stainless steel would result in weld deposits with insufficient corrosion resistance and incorrect mechanical properties. For stainless steel MIG welding, Lincoln Electric offers the Blue Max 308LSi wire (ER308L-Si classification) for welding 304/304L stainless, which requires 100% Argon or an Ar/CO2/O2 tri-mix shielding gas. Always match the filler metal classification to the base metal alloy.
What is Lincoln SuperGlaze 4043 aluminum wire used for?
SuperGlaze 4043 is a 4% silicon aluminum MIG wire (AWS classification ER4043) used for MIG welding most common aluminum alloys, including 6061, 6063, 3003, and cast aluminum. It produces a fluid puddle, low cracking sensitivity, and good crack resistance in the weld, with a bright, cosmetically appealing bead. For 5000-series alloys (5052, 5083, 5086) under high stress or in marine environments, ER5356 (higher magnesium) is typically the preferred filler for better strength and corrosion resistance.
What spool size should I buy — 10 lb versus 33 lb?
For occasional shop use, repair welding, or smaller MIG machines with 8 in. or smaller spool capacity, a 10 lb spool is the practical choice and reduces wire waste if you switch wire types frequently. For production welding, fabrication shops, or machines with a 12 in. spool hub, 33 lb spools significantly reduce spool changeover time and typically offer a lower cost per pound. Lincoln Electric also offers larger 44 lb fiber spools and 500 lb drums for high-volume GMAW and FCAW-G operations where maximum uptime is critical.