Rating of the best brands of welding wire in 2024

Welding wire is used for reliable joining of metals. In our review you will find a description of popular models and brands and recommendations on how to choose the right product. We will advise the best manufacturers, explain: "what is it - welding wire", the functionality and varieties of the best options, we will guide you how much they cost.

Types of wire for welding, its classification

Various types of materials are used as a welding mixture. They are aluminum, brass, steel, stainless steel, metal alloy. Products can be coated with copper (copper-plated wire). All "consumables" must be certified and manufactured in accordance with GOST 2246. There are several types of products used in MIG welding:

• Solid sections are the most commonly used, in part because of their lower cost. The selection criteria for one type or another depends on the base metal and its thickness. Thin mild steel produces no slag and the cord cools quickly.
• Flux cored wire behaves like conventional electrodes. It consists of a metal shell, a hollow inner space filled with granular powder (flux). During repair or construction, this mixture introduces alloying elements into the weld. They leave slag and therefore slow cooling, which is an advantage when working with thick materials.
• The activated model is similar in composition to the powder one, but has less granular additives (5-7% of the total mass), it is used for welding in CO2 and its mixtures.

The products are sold in drums of different diameters 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 / 1.6 mm. According to welders, it is better to buy a copper-coated wire, it protects against oxidation, facilitates the electrical contact of the welding machine nozzle with the surface to be welded, reducing friction.

There are many classifications for each type, depending on its composition, the shielding gas used and the area of ​​application. Let's take a closer look at this information. First, let's study international standards, then domestic brands:

1. The solid state cord must be similar in composition to the base metal, the mixture contains different amounts of deoxidizers, depending on the application and shielding gas.

The most common additive is silicon, it contains a small amount of various metals that improve the mechanical properties of welding equipment, corrosion resistance. These wires oxidize better and are generally more suitable for CO2 work, as pore formation is prevented.

Carbon steel wire is listed by the American Society (AWS) under the designation "ER 70 S - x" (British system of measures), where: "E" is the electrode; "R" - filler; 70 is the minimum tensile strength, expressed in thousands of pounds per square inch (psi); "S" - hardness; "X" is a digit,representing information about the chemical composition of the electrode ("2", "3", "4", "6" or "7"), it corresponds to a variable amount of carbon, manganese and silicon in addition to a fixed mass of phosphorus, sulfur, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, copper and other elements. Let's consider the properties of products in accordance with the last figure:

• ER70S-2 provides good welding in C-25 gas (75% argon + 25% CO2) even on oxidized steel. Of the entire series, this is the only grade that contains titanium, zirconium and aluminum. Its main disadvantage is its lack of fluidity, it is reluctant to move to the side and cannot properly adhere to heavy materials.
• ER70S-3 is one of the most common and budgetary MIG models, it is less viscous. The product is successfully used in cars, agricultural and household appliances.
• ER70S-4 has an average cost, suitable for almost all types of steel welding. ER70S-4 has good fluidity, better arc performance than E70S-3, but has more spatter, and is used for welding structural steels, boats, pipes and boiler rooms.
• ER70S-6, ER70S-7 have the best functions and the highest cost, they contain a lot of silicon, manganese as deoxidizers. Handles all grades of steel, from fine carbon steel to 1/2 in. Sheet. Suitable for all commonly used gas mixtures, good fluidity. The products are used in the production of car bodies, furniture, fire extinguishers, pressure vessels and pipes.

These cords can be used to weld stainless steel. However, for better corrosion resistance, you should pay attention to stainless steel wire, one of the most common options - "304", "ER308", with an increased silicone content in the "ER308L" and "ER308LS" types. Applications for these wires: chemical and food processing equipment, tanks for corrosive chemicals, pumps, heat exchangers.

Non-ferrous metal products are used for working with aluminum. There are many of these wires, including:

• ER-1100, ER-4043 are used with argon, helium, other industrial gas mixtures, ideal for working with thick plates and castings. The main industries using this type are food, dairy and refrigeration.
• ER-5356 contains 5% magnesium, this wire will work in most situations. Its high tensile strength makes it suitable for the manufacture and repair of rolled fuel tanks.

It is impossible to provide universal advice: “Which product is better to buy?” the popularity of the models depends on the specific work situation.

2. Powder electrodes ("FCAW" welding) are carbon, low alloy, stainless steel and cast iron. They are classified according to the mechanical properties of the weld metal.

The markings, based on imperial units, are “E 7 1 T - 1 C / M” where: E is the electrode; 7 is the minimum tensile strength of the weld metal, expressed in thousands of pounds per square inch; 1 - welding position (sometimes "0" or "1"). "0" - flat and horizontal position; "1" refers to all positions; T - Tubular (1 indicates correct electrode use in terms of polarity and overall performance, ranges from "1" to "14" or "G" to "GS".

“G” indicates polarity and general performance are not specified. The “S” after the “G” means the cord is only suitable for one pass); C / M - shielding gas required. "C" - 100% CO2, "M" - a mixture of argon and CO2. If there is no letter, then the flux-cored wire is used for welding without gas.

The advantages of MIG Powder Cord include low spatter loss, easy slag removal and high resistance to impact, extreme temperatures and cracking. These wires are used in heavy industry, mining and shipbuilding.

Below we provide a comparative table, domestic brands, according to GOST:

Rating of quality grades of welding wire for 2024

Our list is compiled from real reviews, it takes into account the opinions of buyers who are familiar with the characteristics of the products.

Solid section

Elitech 0606.010000

5th place for the copper-plated model "Elitech 0606.010000", used by semi-automatic welding machines ("MIG-MAG") with protective gas. The cord is made of strong, high quality steel, ensuring excellent work efficiency. Wire diameter - 0.8 mm, weight 1 kg.

The protective copper layer protects the product from oxidation, improves the electrical conductivity, and reduces the consumption of tips. Elitech 0606.010000 is wound on a plastic bobbin, improving welder productivity.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Diameter	0.8 mm
Material	Steel
Cover type	Copper-plated
Wire type	Solid section
Welding atmosphere	Carbon dioxide, inert gas
Packaging	Spool
Weight	1 kg
Country of Origin	China
Homeland of Brand	Russia

• does not boil;
• fits well;
• ergonomic packaging.

• not detected.

ELKRAFT ER5356

4th place - aluminum cord "ELKRAFT ER5356", its diameter - 0.8 mm, weight - 2 kg, the product is placed on a reel (20 cm). The wire is used for semi-automatic welding of aluminum-magnesium alloys, metal structures containing> 3% "Mg": AlMg3, AlMg4, AlMg5, AlMg6, similar mixtures. Welding is used with direct current (DC plus), shielding gas is argon.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Diameter	0.8 mm
Material	Aluminum
Wire type	Solid section
Welding atmosphere	Inert gas
Suitable for welding	Aluminum
Yield point	120
Relative extension	26
Tensile strength	265
Packaging	Spool
Weight	2 Kg

• smooth seam;
• price quality.

• not detected.

MONOLITH 20312

Bronze - for the copper-plated cord "MONOLITH 20312", diameter 1.2 mm, weight 5 kg. The model is used for "MIG-MAG" welding.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Diameter	0.8 mm
Material	Copper-plated
Wire type	Solid section
Welding atmosphere	Carbon dioxide, inert gas
Suitable for welding	Carbon steel
Packaging	spool
Weight	4 kg

• during operation, the plasma vacuum-arc nozzle provides excellent cleaning of the welded surface;
• in-line winding significantly increases the service life of expensive semi-automatic MIG equipment;
• the "MONOLITH 20312" has a stable burning of the arc, which is kept in most modes of operation of the product.

• not detected.

Esab SV-08g2s

The second place is taken by "Esab SV-08g2s", which is used to work with low-carbon and low-alloy steel with a yield point exceeding 400 MPa, carbon dioxide and its mixtures are used as protection.

Manufacturing technology of "Esab SV-08g2s" provides uniform supply of the cord and small splashing during operation. The product has a strict limit on the content of impurities in the chemical composition, which guarantees excellent mechanical and shock parameters of the weld metal (KCU at -60 ° C). The finished seam is characterized by increased resistance to the formation of chips, even in conditions of violation of the level of "interpass" temperature during long-term operation. "Esab SV-08g2s" is used in the following industries:

• energy;
• car building;
• heavy engineering;
• shipyards;
• special equipment;
• device of bridges, building structures.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Diameter	0.8 mm
Material	Metal alloy
Cover type	Copper-plated
Wire type	Solid section
Welding atmosphere	Carbon dioxide, inert gas
Suitable for welding	Low carbon steel
Yield point	C1 (100% CO2) - min. 390 MPa, M21 (80% Ar + 20% CO2) - min. 400 MPa
Relative extension	C1 (100% CO2) - min. 20%, M21 (80% Ar + 20% CO2) - min. 22%
Tensile strength	C1 (100% CO2) - min. 490 MPa, M21 (80% Ar + 20% CO2) - min. 510 MPa
GOST grade	2246-70: Sv-08G2S-O
EN ISO grade	EN ISO 14341: EN ISO 14341-B-G S18, EN ISO 14341: EN ISO 14341-B-G 49A 2 C1 S18, EN ISO 14341-B-G 49A 2 M21 S18
Packaging	Spool
Weight	5 Kg
Alloy type	Manganese carbon steel

• high-quality weld in multi-pass welding conditions;
• acceptable price.

• not detected.

ER-70S-6 Brima 0011991

The winner is Brima 0011991, used for semi- and automatic MIG / MAG welding, the cord successfully works with carbon, low-alloy metals, using mixtures of shielding gases. Among the advantages of this model are low metal spatter, high-quality straight seam, the ability to work with increased efficiency.
Mechanical properties:

• turnover limit - 420 Mpa;
• tensile strength - 530 Mpa;
• comparative elongation - 27%;
• impact hardness - 90 J / cm2.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Weight	5 Kg
Analogs	ER-70S-6; CB-08G2S; SG2
Material	Copper-plated metal alloy
AWS Brand	ER70S-6
IN ISO grade	SG2
GOST grade	SV-08G2S
Diameter	0.8 mm
Item unit	Thing
Packaged goods weight, kg	5.03
Dimensions of packed goods, mm	50 x 50 x 1000
The birthplace of the brand	Germany
Wire type	Solid section
Welds	Carbon steel, low alloy steel
Atmosphere	Carbon dioxide, inert gas
Packaging	Babina

• few splashes during work;
• price quality.

• not detected.

Powder

Elitech 0606.016000

5th place - powder cord "Elitech 0606.016000", this model is used by semi-automatic welding machines "MIG / MAG" without the use of gas. The birthplace of the brand is the Russian Federation.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Diameter	0.8 mm
Material	Metal alloy
Wire type	Powder
Welding atmosphere	Submerged arc
Packaging	Spool
Weight	1 kg

• applied without gas;
• relatively low price.

• not detected.

CEDAR MIG E71T-GS

The 4th place is occupied by powder "MIG E71T-GS", the wire is capable of welding materials in one "pass" with an overlapping joint, while it is possible to work in all directions. The product is successfully used in the shipbuilding industry, the manufacture of various metal structures, works with rotating parts, in other areas where it is difficult to use semi-automatic welding equipment in a shielded gas environment. The device must operate on direct current (DC), the polarity is direct, the winding of the cord on the reel is inline.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Diameter	0.8 mm
Material	Metal alloy
Wire type	Powder
Welding atmosphere	Submerged arc
Yield point	400 MPa
Relative extension	0.22
Tensile strength	480 MPa
AWS Brand	E71T-GS
Packaging	Spool
Weight	1 kg

• price quality.

• not detected.

Innershield NR-232

Bronze - for a cored wire working without gas. Model "Innershield NR-232", used with carbon metals, while the nozzle can be held in all spatial positions.

The features of "Innershield NR-232" include: increased speed and depth of weld deposition when out of position work; relatively fast setting of parts; easy slag removal. Batch quality assurance complies with AWS D1.8. Scope of "Innershield NR-232" use:

• construction industry, including metal structures that meet seismic safety requirements;
• general construction plates
• production of shipbuilding parts, fittings;
• heavy engineering, various containers, bunkers, supports, bridge elements.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Classification and approvals	AWS A5.20 / A5.20M EN ISO 17632-A: E71T-8: T 42 2 Y N 2 H10
Yield strength σt, N / mm²	490
Ultimate strength σв, N / mm²	590
Elongation δ,%	26
Impact strength KCV, J / cm²	65 at -20 ° C 35 at -29 ° C
The chemical composition of the surfacing. metal	C,% 0.18 Mn,% 0.65 Si,% 0.27 Al,% 0.55 P,% 0.006 S,% 0.004
Diameter	1.7mm
Weight	4 * 6.1kg

• strong seam;
• easy slag removal.

• not detected.

Filarc PZ 6113

The 2nd place is taken by a universal, operating without protective gas, multi-position rutile powder cord, made for operation in an argon mixture "M21", carbon dioxide "C1", without impurities. The equipment must be set to DC reverse polarity.

"Filarc PZ 6113" welds carbon, low-alloyed metal structures, ship elements.The wire has excellent technological parameters, forming an even weld seam with an easily detachable slag crust, while there is practically no splash. It is important to note that when forming a reverse bead by one-sided welding, it is necessary to use ceramic backings with a trapezoidal groove. The seam should be led at an angle backward, squeezing the slag into the back of the bath.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
The diameter of the wire	1.2 mm
Wire on cassette	16 kg
C1 shielding gas	100% carbon dioxide
Classifications	As per AWS A5.36 E71T1-C1AO-CS2-H4, E71T1-M21A0-CS-H8; ISO 17632-A T 42 2 P C 1 H5, T 46 2 P M 1 H10
Chemical composition	C - carbon 0.06% Mn - manganese 1.20% Si - silicon 0.45% S - sulfur max 0.030% P - phosphorus max 0.030%
Yield strength σт	≥420 N / cm²
Ultimate strength σв	≥510 N / cm²
Elongation δ	22 %
Impact strength	KCV -20 ° C ≥68

• no splashes;
• multi-position work.

• not detected.

WESTER FW 12300

The winner is the powder (flux) product "WESTER FW 12300, the wire is wound on a bobbin with a diameter of 20 cm." WESTER FW "is used to work in various spatial positions, welds low-carbon and low-alloy metals, with and without shielding gas. The model is delivered to the market in a moisture-proof vacuum package. Product compliant with AWS HTE71T-1 regulations.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Diameter	1.2 mm
Material	Metal alloy
Wire type	Powder
Brews	Low carbon, low alloy steel
AWS Brand	HTE71T-1
Packaging	Spool
Weight	3 Kg
Welding	Without shielding gas

• • price quality;
  • smooth seam;
  • light hose.

• not detected.

We hope that our article will help you understand among the different brands of welding wire. Successful work!