The Lincoln Electric TER80SB2-32 ER80S-B2 TIG (GTAW) Welding Rod is a 1.25% Cr – 0.50% Mo low-alloy chrome-moly steel filler rod engineered for welding P11 (1.25Cr–0.5Mo) pressure piping, chrome-moly boiler tubing, and creep-resistant components operating at elevated temperatures up to 1,100°F (593°C). The B2 alloy designation in AWS A5.28 classification means this rod deposits a weld metal that maintains hardness, creep resistance, and oxidation resistance at the elevated service temperatures found in petroleum refining, power generation, and high-pressure steam systems — properties that plain carbon steel (ER70S series) filler cannot provide.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Lincoln Electric |
| Part Number | TER80SB2-32 |
| AWS Classification | ER80S-B2 (AWS A5.28 / A5.28M) |
| Diameter | 1/8 in (3.2 mm) |
| Length | 36 in (914 mm) |
| Package | 10 lb tube |
| Alloy Content | 1.20–1.50% Cr; 0.40–0.65% Mo |
| Tensile Strength (PWHT) | 80,000 psi (550 MPa) minimum |
| Yield Strength (PWHT) | 68,000 psi (470 MPa) minimum |
| Elongation (PWHT) | 19% minimum |
| Charpy Impact (PWHT) | 20 ft-lb (27 J) @ −40°F (−40°C) minimum |
| Process | GTAW (TIG) |
| Polarity | DCEN (DC electrode negative) |
| Shielding Gas | 100% Argon; Ar–He blends |
| Preheat Requirement | 300–400°F (149–204°C) for P11 per AWS D10.8 |
| PWHT Requirement | 1,350–1,400°F (732–760°C) per AWS D10.8 / ASME B31.1 |
| Compatible Base Metals | ASTM A335 Grade P11, A213 Grade T11, A387 Grade 11, SA-335 P11 |
Source: Lincoln Electric ER80S-B2 product data and AWS A5.28/A5.28M Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes and Rods for GTAW Standard.
- Petroleum Refining: P11 process piping in hydrotreater units, hydrogen reformers, and crude distillation columns. ASTM A335 P11 chrome-moly pipe handles the 1,000°F+ temperatures and high-pressure hydrogen environments in these systems — ER80S-B2 is the mandatory filler per refinery welding specifications.
- Power Generation: Main steam and reheat steam piping in coal-fired and gas-fired power plants (ASME B31.1 Power Piping systems). The 1.25Cr content provides oxidation resistance; the 0.5Mo content maintains creep strength at sustained elevated temperature service.
- Pressure Vessel Fabrication: A387 Grade 11 chrome-moly pressure vessel shells and heads per ASME Section VIII Division 1 and 2. ER80S-B2 is qualified for these base metals under ASME Section IX.
- Aerospace & Defense: Chrome-moly aircraft firewall components, engine mounts, and structural tubing in 4130 and 4140 steel where alloy filler strength matches base metal requirements after PWHT.
- Motorsport: 4130 chromoly roll cage construction and tubular chassis members where maximum weld strength and predictable heat treatment response are required. (Note: For standard motorsport 4130 cage tube welding without PWHT, ER70S-2 is often sufficient; ER80S-B2 is chosen when PWHT will be applied or maximum yield strength is specified.)
Understanding the B2 designation: In AWS A5.28, the "B" suffix indicates a chrome-moly steel filler; the number following indicates the alloy group. B2 = 1.25% Cr + 0.5% Mo (P11 alloy). B3 = 2.25% Cr + 1.0% Mo (P22 alloy). Choose B2 for P11 base metal, B3 for P22 base metal. Mixing B2 filler with P22 base metal or vice versa is not acceptable for pressure piping code work without engineering approval.
Preheat and interpass temperature: Per AWS D10.8 and ASME B31.1, P11 chrome-moly pipe requires preheat of 300–400°F (149–204°C) for wall thicknesses above 0.500 in. Maintain interpass temperature above preheat but below 600°F (315°C). Allow the weld to cool slowly after completion — do not quench with water or compressed air.
Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT): ER80S-B2 weld deposits must be PWHT'd at 1,350–1,400°F (732–760°C) per ASME B31.1 and D10.8 to restore toughness, relieve residual stress, and achieve the specified tensile/yield properties. Mechanical properties stated in the specifications table above are for PWHT condition; as-welded properties are lower and should not be used for design calculations.
See also Lincoln ER80S-B2 3/32 in (TER80SB2-24) for thinner wall pipe and tube root passes. For P22 base metal, see Lincoln ER90S-B3. Browse the full TIG rod catalog and the TIG welders collection.
What is the difference between ER80S-B2 and ER70S-2?
ER70S-2 is a plain carbon steel filler with no chromium or molybdenum; it's used for mild steel and lower-alloy applications. ER80S-B2 contains 1.25% Cr and 0.5% Mo, which give the weld deposit creep resistance and oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures — properties ER70S-2 cannot provide. Use ER80S-B2 when welding chrome-moly P11 piping per ASME B31.1 or any code requiring the B2 alloy classification. Using ER70S-2 on P11 pipe is a code violation for pressure service applications.
Is preheat required when welding with ER80S-B2?
Yes. Chrome-moly steels are air-hardening and susceptible to hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) without adequate preheat. AWS D10.8 and ASME B31.1 require preheat of 300–400°F (149–204°C) for P11 base metal in most wall thicknesses. Check the applicable code and welding procedure specification (WPS) for your specific application. Failure to preheat chrome-moly welds is a major cause of delayed cracking in pressure piping systems.
Can ER80S-B2 be used without post-weld heat treatment?
For pressure piping per ASME B31.1 and pressure vessels per ASME Section VIII, PWHT is mandatory for chrome-moly welds — it cannot be omitted. For non-code motorsport and structural applications, some fabricators weld 4130 with B2 filler and normalize rather than full PWHT; consult the base metal manufacturer and a structural engineer. Never skip PWHT on P11 pressure piping in service — code authorities inspect for PWHT compliance and rejecting PWHT-deficient welds is standard practice.
What shielding gas is recommended for ER80S-B2 TIG welding?
100% argon is the standard shielding gas for ER80S-B2 TIG welding. For thicker sections or when faster travel speed is needed, argon–helium blends (75% Ar / 25% He or 50/50) increase arc energy without compromising the alloy content of the deposit. Never use CO₂ or argon-CO₂ blends for TIG — they oxidize the chrome and molybdenum in the weld and destabilize the arc.