What is TIG Filler Rod? How is it Different from Other Rods?

Metal welding comprises of different types of welding processes including the tungsten inert gas welding or TIG welding. It arises with the form of welding arc it produces. Besides, it adds the non-consumable electrode as a way of ensuring the proper production of the weld.

TIG welding requires two hands for adding the filler while creating the arc. Filler rods are of different types. Finding the right rod for your welding requires proper knowhow of the various rods. Besides, when using TIG welding processes, the versatility witnessed is one of a kind. Let’s explore these filler rods.

Filler Rod/Metal: What it is?

A filler rod is a metal or metallic wire essential in welding and filling in space between different or similar base metals. It plays a unique role in joining two metals together. Tungsten inert gas filler rods work well with other TIG welding torches and TIG electrodes.

The filler rods come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Selecting the right one is essential for your welding work. You should match the rod material with that of the metal alloy you want to weld. You have to look at the filler rod’s diameter and thickness of the welding material. These should match to get the welding right and the joint to work as desired.

Tig Filler rods are usually 3 feet in length and are packed in packages of 10 pounds to 50-pound tubes or boxes. The rod’s diameter ranges from 1/16 inches to ¼ inches. Here are some of the materials that make up TIG filler rods.

Carbon steel

These types of filler rods are fundamental to welders welding small diameter pipes. They work best for small diameter tubes, metal applications including sheets and oot pass pipes. They come with a specific code number with letters representing what they are best for when welding.

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Samples include an ER70S-2 and ER70S-6. The ER70S is the serial number indicating the material. The -2 and -6 show the chemical additives in a rod that makes it vital to the type of weld joint you are aiming at getting.

Stainless steel

These types of filler rods are popular primarily because they are highly resistant to any form of corrosion and rust. The rod alloys are firm and resilient as they are a combination of carbon steel and chromium. They are carbon-based steel but have an additional 10% of chromium metal.

The filler rods divisions follow the rod’s molecular structure. Each division has its own unique serial number. They make sure that you do not tamper with the wrong metal match when selecting the perfect rod alloy. If unsure of the metal you are about to weld, then it is essential to know that the ferritic stainless steel rods have an attraction to magnets. Here are tips to guide you in identifying the metal:

The Ferritic Stainless steel filler rods samples fall into the 409, 430 serial number categories.

The austenitic stainless steel filler rod samples fall into the 302, 306, 308 and 309 classes.

Martensitic stainless steel filler rods samples fall into 410 and 416 serial numbers.

Aluminum filler rods

For welding bicycle frames, drive shafts and structures, you need the right aluminium-based filler rod. The ER4043 is an aluminium filler rod essential in welding the 6000 aluminium alloy series. Also, the ER5356 aluminium-magnesium is perfect for welding aluminium alloys with different shapes.

Why these Type of Filler Rods are Different

1. Filler rods are alloys of different metals that make them durable and resistant to corrosion and even rust. Each type of filler rod has its measurements and use. The tungsten inert gas filler rods are meant only for the TIG welding process.
2. The filler metal makes strong welds with no pits or high porosity that comes with other fillers. These filler rods concentration of specific elements such as silicon make them better in comparison to other metal fillers. They contain higher levels of deoxidizers that ensure a better TIG weld.
3. The filler rods are tungsten electrodes, which are non-consumable and do not require high heat to make the welding work. It works by melting the wires while other filler rods have to burn in high heat to weld.
4. Filler rods are precise or for use in a specific weld alignment or joint.  If you have a critical joint that requires an exceptional level of accuracy, then these rods are your best bet. The suitable rods depend on the different materials that are to undergo welding. TIG rods come in different specifications i.e., size, diameter, and length, making them ideal for any joint type.
5. Using these filler rods means that there is no after weld residue neither is there any smoke during the weld. You get a clean, durable, and robust weld joint.

Conclusion

Filler rods are useful in making metal joints as they prevent corrosion and enhance the joint strength. Besides, they improve durability and come in different varieties available for different welding purposes or metal works. With the right filler rods, the welding possibilities are versatile.