What is the difference between the ENi-CI and ENiFe-CI grades in the Nic-L-Weld family?

ENi-CI (Nic-L-Weld 99) is a nominally 99% nickel electrode that produces the softest, most machinable deposit of any cast iron SMAW electrode — single-pass welds can typically be drilled or turned with HSS tooling. ENiFe-CI (Nic-L-Weld 55) contains approximately 55% nickel and 40–45% iron, giving it higher tensile strength (up to 80,000 psi vs. ~50,000 psi for ENi-CI), better tolerance for phosphorous-contaminated castings, and better suitability for multi-pass fills and dissimilar cast iron-to-steel joints. Multi-pass ENiFe-CI deposits are machinable but typically require carbide-tipped tooling.

Do I need to preheat cast iron before welding with Nic-L-Weld electrodes?

Preheat is strongly recommended and often essential for crack-free results on anything but the thinnest sections. For best results, preheat the entire casting uniformly to 300–500°F (150–260°C). If preheat cannot be applied — for example, an in-chassis engine block — use ENi-CI with a cold-welding technique: heat the casting to at least 100°F, deposit very short beads (under 1 in), peen each bead immediately, and allow it to cool before depositing the next. Never weld cast iron completely cold, and never quench the casting after welding — slow, controlled cooling overnight is critical.

What polarity and amperage should I use for Nic-L-Weld?

Both ENi-CI and ENiFe-CI run on DC+ (DCEP — electrode positive), which is preferred for best arc stability and deposit quality. AC is acceptable when only AC power is available (minimum 50 V OCV). For ENi-CI at 3/32 in, use 50–65 A; at 1/8 in, use 70–95 A. For ENiFe-CI at 3/32 in, use 70–85 A; at 1/8 in, use 85–110 A. Always use the lowest amperage that produces a stable, fluid puddle — excess heat widens the heat-affected zone and increases the risk of cracking.

Can Nic-L-Weld be used to weld cast iron to steel?

Yes — ENiFe-CI (Nic-L-Weld 55) is particularly well suited for dissimilar-metal joints between cast iron and carbon steel, low-alloy steel, or stainless steel. The nickel-iron chemistry buffers the metallurgical difference between the base metals and produces a ductile, crack-resistant deposit. Common applications include welding steel brackets or flanges to cast iron housings, steel wear plates to cast iron machine bases, and cast iron-to-steel transition joints in pump and piping systems. ENi-CI (pure nickel) can also be used for cast iron-to-steel buttering layers, but ENiFe-CI is preferred for full dissimilar-metal joints requiring strength.

Is the weld from Nic-L-Weld machinable — can I drill or tap through it?

ENi-CI (Nic-L-Weld 99) deposits are soft and machinable with standard HSS tooling even on single-pass welds — this is its primary advantage. ENiFe-CI (Nic-L-Weld 55) multi-pass deposits are machinable but harder, typically requiring carbide-tipped tooling for drilling, turning, or milling. On both grades, the fusion zone between the weld and the cast iron base metal can be harder than the weld deposit itself; preheating the casting above 500°F significantly softens the HAZ and improves machinability at the fusion line.

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Lincoln Nic-L-Weld Nickel Alloy Stick SMAW Welding Rod

SKU: 0006550

$418.60

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Overview

Lincoln Nic-L-Weld Nickel Alloy is an AWS A5.15 ENi-CI SMAW stick electrode family with 50-60 ksi typical tensile and DC- or AC, all positions operation. WeldingMart stocks 2 package and diameter variants of this grade, all sharing the same AWS classification - select the diameter and package format that fits your application below.

About Lincoln Nic-L-Weld Nickel Alloy

ENi-CI is an AWS A5.15 pure-nickel SMAW electrode for welding gray, ductile, and malleable cast iron with minimum dilution and a machinable weld deposit. The high-nickel weld metal absorbs carbon from the base cast iron without forming brittle carbides, producing a soft, machinable weld bead suitable for repair, fill, and crack restoration. Runs DC- or AC in all positions; low amperage and short stringer beads with peening reduce stress in the heat-affected zone.

Specifications

AWS classification	AWS A5.15 ENi-CI
Minimum tensile	50-60 ksi typical
Polarity / position	DC- or AC, all positions
Available diameters	3/32 in through 1/4 in (varies by package)
Package formats	see size variants below

Why buy Lincoln Nic-L-Weld Nickel Alloy from WeldingMart

Brand-authorized distributor - factory-fresh stock, full warranty pass-through
Multiple diameter and package variants in stock - select the SKU below that matches your job
US warehouse fulfillment, 1 business day ship time
30-day returns on unopened cartons

Reviews

Q&A

Product Overview

About Lincoln Nic-L-Weld Nickel Alloy

Specifications

AWS classification	AWS A5.15 ENi-CI
Minimum tensile	50-60 ksi typical
Polarity / position	DC- or AC, all positions
Available diameters	3/32 in through 1/4 in (varies by package)
Package formats	see size variants below

Why buy Lincoln Nic-L-Weld Nickel Alloy from WeldingMart

Brand-authorized distributor - factory-fresh stock, full warranty pass-through
Multiple diameter and package variants in stock - select the SKU below that matches your job
US warehouse fulfillment, 1 business day ship time
30-day returns on unopened cartons

Lincoln Nic-L-Weld Nickel Alloy Stick SMAW Welding Rod

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Product Overview

About Lincoln Nic-L-Weld Nickel Alloy

Specifications

Why buy Lincoln Nic-L-Weld Nickel Alloy from WeldingMart

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Questions & Answers