AWS A5.18 CO2 Drumpack Solid Welding Wire

| AWS A 5.18 CO2 Drumpack solid Welding Wire Description

1）Wire Classification and Composition: While the "CO2 Drumpack" refers to its intended use and packaging, the wire itself falls under AWS A5.18 classifications for mild steel solid wires, most commonly ER70S-6 or ER70S-3. This means it is a deoxidized mild steel wire, with specific levels of manganese and silicon (higher in ER70S-6 for better contamination tolerance) that contribute to sound, high-quality weld deposits suitable for general fabrication.The AWS A5.18 CO2 Drumpack Solid Welding Wire refers to a classification of mild steel MIG (Gas Metal Arc Welding) filler material specifically designed for use with 100% Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as the shielding gas, and supplied in large, bulk containers known as drumpacks or barrels. This combination of wire type, shielding gas, and packaging optimizes it for high-volume, continuous welding operations, particularly in industrial settings.

2）Shielding Gas Specificity (100% CO2): A defining characteristic is its optimization for 100% CO2 shielding gas. While many solid wires can use Argon/CO2 mixes, this wire is formulated to provide excellent performance—including good penetration, arc stability, and mechanical properties—specifically when paired with pure CO2. CO2 is known for its lower cost, deeper penetration, and suitability for welding thicker materials.

3）Drumpack/Bulk Packaging: The "Drumpack" aspect highlights its large-scale packaging, typically ranging from 250 lbs (113 kg) to 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more. This bulk format significantly reduces the frequency of wire changes compared to standard spools, minimizing downtime, increasing arc-on time, and improving overall productivity in high-volume or automated welding environments. It also simplifies wire handling and reduces waste.

4）Optimized for High Volume & Automation: This wire system is engineered for efficiency in industrial applications. The continuous feed from the drumpack, combined with the consistent performance of the wire in a 100% CO2 environment, makes it highly suitable for robotic welding, automated production lines, and heavy fabrication shops where continuous operation and high deposition rates are critical.

5）Weld Characteristics with CO2: When used with 100% CO2, this wire generally produces a hotter arc with deeper penetration compared to argon-rich mixes. While it may result in slightly more spatter, this is often mitigated by optimized welding parameters and equipment. The welds typically exhibit good bead shape and robust mechanical properties, suitable for joining a wide range of mild and low-alloy steels.

6）Applications: AWS A5.18 CO2 Drumpack solid welding wire finds extensive use in industries requiring high-production welding, such as shipbuilding, heavy equipment manufacturing, structural steel fabrication (for bridges, buildings), pressure vessel manufacturing, and automotive chassis production. Its combination of specific wire properties, CO2 compatibility, and bulk packaging makes it a cost-effective and efficient solution for large-scale industrial welding operations.

| AWS A5.18 CO2 Drumpack solid Welding Wire Down Load

AWS A5.18 SG2(G3Si1) Mig Welding Wire.pdf

| AWS A5.18 CO2 Drumpack solid Welding Wire Data Sheet

| AWS A5.18 CO2 Drumpack solid Welding Wire Workshop Show

| AWS A5.18 CO2 Drumpack solid Welding Wire Production Video

| AWS A5.18 CO2 Drumpack solid Welding Wire Application

| AWS A5.18 CO2 Drumpack solid Welding Wire Certificate

| AWS A5.18 CO2 Drumpack solid Welding Wire Comment & FAQ

Question 1: What is a "Drumpack" in the context of welding wire?

A drumpack, also known as a drum or barrel pack, is a large, bulk container of welding wire.
Unlike smaller spools, drumpacks hold significantly more wire, often ranging from 250 lbs (113 kg) to over 1,000 lbs (450 kg).
This bulk packaging is designed to minimize downtime associated with frequent spool changes in high-volume or automated welding operations, significantly boosting **welding productivity**.

Question 2: Why is "CO2" specifically mentioned with this wire classification?

The "CO2" in the name highlights that this particular wire is formulated and optimized for use with 100% Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as the shielding gas.
While many MIG wires can use Argon/CO2 mixes, this designation emphasizes its ideal performance characteristics—such as arc stability and penetration—when exclusively paired with the more cost-effective pure CO2.
It's tailored for specific **MIG welding gas** environments.

Question 3: What are the primary benefits of using a CO2 Drumpack welding wire?

The main benefits include vastly reduced downtime for wire changes, leading to increased arc-on time and higher overall productivity.
It's also generally more cost-effective per pound than smaller spools for high-volume users.
Furthermore, the larger package often means less packaging waste, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable **welding operation**.

Question 4: What AWS A5.18 classifications are typically found in CO2 Drumpack wires?

CO2 Drumpack solid wires usually fall under the AWS A5.18 classifications of **ER70S-6** or **ER70S-3**.
ER70S-6 is the more common choice due to its higher deoxidizer content (manganese and silicon), offering better tolerance for base metal impurities.
Both are mild steel wires designed for general fabrication and structural work, providing robust **weld metal properties**.

Question 5: How does using 100% CO2 shielding gas affect welding performance with this wire?

Using 100% CO2 shielding gas generally results in deeper penetration and a hotter arc compared to argon-rich mixes.
It's excellent for welding thicker materials and offers a good balance of cost and performance.
While it might produce slightly more spatter, this is often manageable with optimized parameters and equipment, making it a powerful choice for demanding **heavy fabrication**.

Question 6: Is specialized equipment needed to use CO2 Drumpack wires?

Yes, using drumpacks requires specialized equipment.
You'll need a suitable **drumpack wire feeder** system that can handle the large wire drum and typically incorporates a drive system designed for continuous, high-volume feeding.
These systems often include a sturdy stand and conduit to guide the wire smoothly from the drum to the welding gun.

Question 7: What applications are best suited for CO2 Drumpack solid welding wire?

This wire system excels in high-production, continuous welding environments.
Common applications include shipbuilding, heavy equipment manufacturing, structural steel fabrication (e.g., bridges, buildings), pressure vessel production, and automotive chassis assembly.
Any industry prioritizing maximum arc-on time and efficiency in **industrial welding** can benefit.

Question 8: How does wire feeding from a drumpack differ from a standard spool?

Wire feeding from a drumpack is typically smoother and more consistent due to fewer cast and helix issues that can arise from smaller spools.
The wire is drawn from the top of the drum in a relatively straight path, reducing stress on the wire feeder and minimizing tangles or bird-nesting, leading to very reliable **wire feeding performance**.

Question 9: Can this wire be used for automated or robotic welding?

Absolutely.
CO2 Drumpack solid welding wire is ideally suited for automated and robotic welding.
The continuous wire supply minimizes human intervention, allowing for extended, uninterrupted welding cycles.
This significantly boosts the efficiency and throughput of **robotic welding systems** and automated production lines.

Question 10: What are the common wire diameters available in CO2 Drumpack form?

CO2 Drumpack wires are available in standard MIG wire diameters, commonly including 0.035 inch (0.9 mm), 0.045 inch (1.2 mm), 1/16 inch (1.6 mm), and sometimes larger sizes.
The choice of **welding wire diameter** depends on the thickness of the material being welded and the desired deposition rate.
Larger diameters generally allow for higher currents and deposition.

Question 11: Are there any specific storage considerations for CO2 Drumpack wires?

Yes, proper storage is crucial.
Drumpacks should be stored indoors in a dry, climate-controlled environment to prevent moisture absorption and rust, which can lead to feeding issues and weld defects.
Keeping the drum sealed until ready for use and covering it when not in use will maintain the **welding wire quality**.

Question 12: How does the cost per pound compare for drumpacks versus standard spools?

Generally, the cost per pound of welding wire is lower when purchased in drumpacks compared to standard spools.
This is due to the economies of scale in packaging and reduced handling costs for both the manufacturer and the end-user.
This makes drumpacks a cost-effective choice for operations with high **welding consumable volume**.

Question 13: What are the typical mechanical properties of weld metal from this wire?

The deposited weld metal from AWS A5.18 CO2 Drumpack solid wire (e.g., ER70S-6) typically exhibits a minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi (480 MPa).
It also provides good yield strength and ductility, ensuring robust and reliable joints.
Impact toughness can also be quite good, especially for **ER70S-6 applications**.

Question 14: Can this wire be used for all welding positions?

While optimal performance is often achieved in flat and horizontal positions with spray transfer, this wire (especially ER70S-6 formulations) can be used for all-position welding with appropriate techniques and parameters.
For out-of-position work (vertical-up, overhead), short-circuit transfer is commonly employed to manage the weld puddle, demonstrating its **MIG welding versatility**.

Question 15: What are common causes of feeding issues with drumpack systems?

Common feeding issues can include kinks or damage to the wire conduit, improper tension settings on the feeder, dust or debris accumulating in the conduit, or moisture damaging the wire.
Regular inspection and maintenance of the entire **wire feeding system** are essential to prevent these problems and ensure smooth operation.

Question 16: Is preheating generally required when using CO2 Drumpack wire?

For most mild steel applications, preheating is not typically required.
However, for thicker sections, highly restrained joints, or specific low-temperature applications, preheating may be necessary to prevent hydrogen-induced cracking and ensure optimal **weld quality**.
Always consult relevant welding codes and procedures.

Question 17: How does the spatter level compare when using 100% CO2 with this wire?

Using 100% CO2 as a shielding gas with solid wire generally results in more spatter compared to argon-rich mixes.
However, manufacturers optimize these wires to minimize spatter with CO2, and modern welding machines offer features to further reduce it.
While some cleanup might be needed, the benefits of penetration often outweigh the slight increase in **spatter management**.

Question 18: Can this wire be used for structural steel fabrication?

Absolutely. AWS A5.18 CO2 Drumpack solid welding wire, particularly the ER70S-6 variant, is a workhorse in **structural steel fabrication**.
Its ability to produce strong, sound welds, combined with the efficiency of drumpack delivery, makes it ideal for building beams, columns, trusses, and other load-bearing structures that require high-quality, reliable joints.

Question 19: What is the typical deposition rate achievable with this wire and CO2?

The deposition rate depends on the wire diameter, amperage, and welding process, but using CO2 generally allows for higher deposition rates compared to argon mixes at the same current.
This makes it highly efficient for filling large weld joints and maximizing productivity in high-volume operations.
Optimizing **welding parameters** is key to achieving desired deposition.

Question 20: Where can I find specific technical data and safety information for a particular CO2 Drumpack wire?

For precise technical data, including chemical analysis, mechanical properties, and recommended welding parameters, always refer to the specific product data sheet provided by the welding wire manufacturer.
Safety information can be found in the manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
These documents are essential for safe and effective use of the **welding consumable**.