Lincoln Electric Blue Max ER308LSi in 0.045 in (1.2 mm) diameter on a 33 lb spool (ED037251) is the go-to choice for production MIG welding of medium and heavy-gauge austenitic stainless steel. Classified AWS A5.9/A5.9M ER308LSi, this wire's higher silicon content (0.65–1.00% Si) versus standard ER308L promotes excellent puddle wetting and fluid bead profile in spray arc transfer at the higher amperages typical of 0.045 in operation. The low carbon (≤ 0.03% C) prevents sensitization in heat-affected zones adjacent to 304L and 308L base metals. The 0.045 in diameter is preferred for stainless welding in the flat and horizontal positions on material from 3/16 to 1/2 in thick, offering better deposition efficiency than 0.035 in wire in production environments. WeldingMart stocks this product as an authorized Lincoln Electric distributor. Browse the full welding wire catalog.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | ER308LSi per AWS A5.9/A5.9M |
| Lincoln Part Number | ED037251 |
| Wire Diameter | 0.045 in (1.2 mm) |
| Spool Weight | 33 lb (15 kg) |
| Carbon Content | ≤ 0.03% C |
| Silicon Content | 0.65–1.00% Si |
| Chromium Content | 19.5–22.0% Cr |
| Nickel Content | 9.0–11.0% Ni |
| Polarity | DCEP (electrode positive) |
| Shielding Gas | Tri-mix (90% He / 7.5% Ar / 2.5% CO₂) or 98% Ar / 2% O₂ |
| Tensile Strength (as-welded) | ≥ 515 MPa (75,000 psi) |
| Yield Strength (as-welded) | ≥ 310 MPa (45,000 psi) |
| Elongation | ≥ 35% |
| Welding Process | GMAW (MIG), spray arc, pulsed MIG |
| Conformances | AWS A5.9/A5.9M, ASME SFA-5.9 |
- Industrial food processing: Stainless steel conveyors, hoppers, and mixing tanks in 304L or 316L stainless — 0.045 in wire improves throughput on production-welded equipment versus 0.035 in.
- Pressure vessels (ASME Sec. IX): Fabrication of unfired pressure vessels in 304 and 304L per ASME Section VIII, Division 1, where qualified procedure compliance requires low-carbon filler.
- Petrochemical piping: Heavy-wall 304 stainless pipe spools and manifolds where flat-position spray arc with 0.045 in wire delivers production-grade efficiency.
- Structural stainless fabrication: Stair stringers, guard rails, support columns, and frames per AWS D1.6 Structural Welding Code — Stainless Steel.
- Brewery and winery equipment: Fermentation tanks, transfer lines, and CIP (clean-in-place) systems in 304L stainless.
- Automotive exhaust production: 304 stainless exhaust system production runs (catalytic converter housings, mufflers, intermediate pipes) using semi-automated or robotic MIG.
Selecting the correct arc transfer mode for 0.045 in ER308LSi improves both weld quality and productivity:
| Transfer Mode | Current Range | Position Suitability | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spray Arc | 200–280 A | Flat / horizontal only | Production flat seams, tanks, vessels |
| Pulsed MIG | 120–240 A (peak) | All positions | Out-of-position, thin stainless, robotics |
| Short Arc | 80–150 A | All positions (lower deposition) | Root passes, tack welds, thin material |
Pulsed MIG is increasingly favored for stainless production work because it enables out-of-position welding at 0.045 in diameter without switching to a smaller wire. Lincoln pulsed MIG machines (Power Wave series) include pre-configured pulse parameters for ER308LSi. Source: Lincoln Electric Blue Max Stainless MIG Wire Product Page.
| Material Thickness | WFS (in/min) | Voltage (V) | Amperage | Gas / Flow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/16 in (4.8 mm) | 280–360 | 25–27 | 180–230 A | 98/2 Ar/O₂, 30 CFH |
| 1/4 in (6.4 mm) | 340–420 | 26–28 | 215–270 A | Tri-mix, 35 CFH |
| 3/8 in (9.5 mm) | 400–480 | 27–29 | 250–310 A | Tri-mix, 40 CFH |
- What is the best wire diameter for production stainless MIG welding on 1/4 in plate?
- 0.045 in ER308LSi is the most productive for flat/horizontal 1/4 in stainless. For out-of-position, use pulsed MIG at 0.045 in or switch to 0.035 in wire.
- Can I use ER308LSi in pulsed MIG on stainless?
- Yes. ER308LSi 0.045 in is standard for GMAW-P stainless in all positions. Lincoln Power Wave machines have factory pulse schedules for ER308LSi.
- Why should I not use C25 shielding gas for stainless MIG welding?
- C25 (75/25 Ar/CO₂) causes carbon pickup and chromium oxidation in stainless welds, degrading corrosion resistance. Use tri-mix or 98/2 Ar/O₂ instead.
- Is ER308LSi the right filler for 304-to-304 stainless welding?
- Yes — ER308LSi is the standard matching filler for 304/304L stainless MIG welding. For carbon steel to 304 dissimilar joints, use ER309LSi.
- What is the difference between ER308LSi 0.035 in and 0.045 in?
- Same ER308LSi chemistry, different diameter. 0.035 in (ED037250) is for lighter material and out-of-position work. 0.045 in (ED037251) is for production flat-position welding on 3/16 in and heavier stainless.
Related products: Blue Max ER308LSi 0.035 in, 33 lb (ED037250) | Blue Max ER308LSi 0.030 in, 33 lb (ED037252) | All Welding Wire