Mild Steel solid wire is used in four different processes. Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW and MIG), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW or TIG), Submerged Metal Arc Welding (SMAW or Subarc) and Gas Welding. Mild steel wire is available in a wide variety of diameters from .023 - .125. It is also available in spooled wire and cut lengths. Mild steel wire is typically used for the joining of two pieces of steel in the electric or gas welding application. The wire is often coated with copper to resist oxidation and increase shelf life.

Mild steel is available in a variety of chemical metallurgies. The different chemical makeup not only determines the different weldability of the wire, but also the tensile strength of the finished product. An Argon or CO₂ based shielding gas is often used as a fluxing agent to prevent the atmosphere from getting into the weld puddle before it hardens.

When mild steel wire is used in the Submerged Arc Welding process, a shielding gas is not used. A powder flux is continuously dropped onto the arc to protect it from the atmosphere. The chemical make-up of the flux enhances the weld puddle. Subarc welding must be done in a the flat position to allow the flux to completely cover the arc. The advantages of Subarc welding is increased productivity, deeper penetration, bead appearance and automation. The chemical components of the flux improve the weldability, and may improve the tensile strength.

To request information on these products go to the FEEDBACK page.