Page 7 - Stainless Steel Solutions

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MIG wire & shielding gases

Shielding Gases for Welding (GMAW)

The best shielding gas blend for welding stainless steel frequently depends upon the
desired bead shape, colour and chemistry, and on the type of metal transfer used. Two
part blends, either argon/oxygen or argon/carbon dioxide, provide good performance and
reduced shielding gas costs. Three part blends containing helium, while more expensive to
purchase, provide cost savings through increased productivity (higher speeds) and optimum
bead characteristics.
Praxair's HeliStar A-1025 gas blend is widely used for the ultimate in short-circuiting
performance. The balanced CO2 addition minimizes carbon pick-up assuring good
corrosion resistance. The high helium content produces increased puddle fluidity for
good bead shape and faster travel speeds; weld penetration is also increased.
Part # HE STAR37*

Praxair’s StarGold C-2 is an argon/carbon dioxide blend that can be used for pulsed, short
circuit and conventional spray welding where good bead appearance is desired and a slight
increase in weld carbon content is acceptable. These blends are best matched with a low
carbon filler wire. Inductance, steep slope and high silicon wire are recommended when
using short-circuiting transfer.
Part # AR STAR6*
Praxair’s StarGold O-2 is an argon/oxygen blend and is primarily used for pulsed and spray
metal transfer where a slightly oxidized weld bead surface is acceptable. Oxygen stabilizes
the arc and improves metal transfer without a significant change in bead appearance.
Part # AR STAR2*
Praxair’s Stargon SS is a three part gas blend that can help you produce high-quality
welds with very light surface oxide and improved colour matching in all positions using
short circuit, spray and pulsed spray transfer modes.
Part # AR STAR77* JOINING
Stainless Steel MIG Wire

Recommended
Description Part # Wire Size Pkg. Size
Shielding Gas
308LSi MIG Wire – has good general PRS05021 .035" (0.9 mm) 33 lb. (15 kg) spool
corrosion resistance with low carbon
content which makes this material
particularly recommended where there
®
is a risk of inter-granular corrosion. PRS05022 .045" (1.2 mm) 33 lb. (15 kg) spool HeliStar A1025 -
90% Helium/7.5%
Argon/2.5% CO2
309LSi MIG Wire – has good general
corrosion resistance. When used for PRS05023 .035" (0.9 mm) 33 lb. (15 kg) spool StarGold C-2 -
TM
joining dissimilar materials, the higher 98% Argon/2% CO2
nickel and chrome content offers
increased crack resistance when StarGold O-2 -
compared to the use of 308LSi or PRS05024 .045" (1.2 mm) 33 lb. (15 kg) spool 98% Argon/2% Oxygen
316LSi stainless filler metals.
Stargon SS -
TM
316LSi MIG Wire – has good general 95% Argon/
corrosion resistance. Is suitable for more PRS05025 .035" (0.9 mm) 33 lb. (15 kg) spool 3% CO2/2% Nitrogen
demanding applications where parts
are subjected to corrosion caused by
acid or chlorinated environments. Their
corrosion resistance when in contact PRS05026 .045" (1.2 mm) 33 lb. (15 kg) spool
with seawater is limited.

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