AWS A5.18 ER70S-6 Mig Welding Wire

| AWS A 5.18 ER70S-6 Mig Welding Wire Description

1）Composition and Deoxidizing Power: This wire is characterized by its higher levels of manganese (Mn) and silicon (Si) compared to other plain carbon steel wires. These elements act as strong deoxidizers, making ER70S-6 particularly effective for welding on base materials that may have moderate amounts of rust, mill scale, or surface contaminants, reducing the need for stringent pre-cleaning.

2）Weld Quality and Mechanical Properties: It is designed to produce high-quality, porosity-free welds that often meet X-ray inspection standards. The deposited weld metal typically exhibits excellent tensile strength (minimum 70,000 psi or 480 MPa), good yield strength, and sufficient ductility, ensuring strong and reliable joints.

3）Weld Bead Appearance and Fluidity: The elevated silicon content in ER70S-6 enhances the fluidity of the weld pool. This results in a smoother, flatter weld bead appearance with good wetting characteristics, minimizing spatter and often reducing the amount of post-weld grinding or cleanup required.

4）Shielding Gas Compatibility: ER70S-6 is typically used with a shielding gas. Common choices include 100% Carbon Dioxide (CO2) or a mixture of Argon (Ar) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2), such as 75% Ar / 25% CO2. Other argon-rich blends with small amounts of oxygen (e.g., 98% Ar / 2% O2) can also be used, influencing arc stability and transfer mode.

5）Applications: Due to its robust characteristics, ER70S-6 finds widespread use in general fabrication, construction (structural steel components), shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, pressure vessels, pipes, farm implements, and for repairing steel castings and forgings. It is suitable for both single and multiple-pass welding applications.

6）Versatility and Performance: This wire offers excellent feedability and stable arc characteristics across various welding positions (flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead) and transfer modes (short circuit, spray, pulsed spray), making it a preferred choice for manual, semi-automatic, and robotic welding operations. It can be found in copper-coated and, increasingly, non-copper-coated versions.

| AWS A5.18 ER70S-6 Mig Welding Wire Down Load

AWS A5.18 ER70S-6 Mig Welding Wire.pdf

| AWS A5.18 ER70S-6 Mig Welding Wire Data Sheet

| AWS A5.18 ER70S-6 Mig Welding Wire Workshop Show

| AWS A5.18 ER70S-6 Mig Welding Wire Production Video

| AWS A5.18 ER70S-6 Mig Welding Wire Application

| AWS A5.18 ER70S-6 Mig Welding Wire Certificate

| AWS A5.18 ER70S-6 Mig Welding Wire Comment & FAQ

Question 1: What is AWS A5.18 ER70S-6 MIG welding wire?

AWS A5.18 ER70S-6 is a widely recognized specification for a copper-coated, solid mild steel filler wire used in Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), commonly known as MIG welding. It is characterized by its excellent **deoxidizing properties** due to higher levels of manganese and silicon, making it suitable for welding on moderately contaminated surfaces.
This wire is a staple in various industries for its versatility and the quality of welds it produces.

Question 2: What are the primary advantages of using ER70S-6 welding wire?

The primary advantages include its superior ability to handle base metals with light rust or mill scale, reducing the need for extensive pre-cleaning.
It offers excellent **weld bead appearance** with good wetting action and minimal spatter.
Furthermore, it provides high tensile strength and good ductility, resulting in strong, **X-ray quality welds**.
Its versatility across different welding positions and applications is also a significant benefit.

Question 3: What materials is ER70S-6 typically used to weld?

ER70S-6 is primarily used for welding mild and low-alloy steels.
This includes various carbon steels, structural steels, and some higher-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels in applications such as general fabrication, shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, and pressure vessel construction.
It's an excellent choice for a broad range of **steel welding projects**.

Question 4: What shielding gases are recommended for ER70S-6?

The most common shielding gases for ER70S-6 are 100% Carbon Dioxide (CO2) or a blend of Argon (Ar) and CO2.
For example, 75% Ar / 25% CO2 is a very popular choice for its stable arc and reduced spatter.
Pure CO2 offers deeper penetration but can result in more spatter.
The choice of **MIG shielding gas** impacts arc stability, penetration, and bead appearance.

Question 5: Can ER70S-6 be used for out-of-position welding?

Yes, ER70S-6 is highly versatile and can be used for out-of-position welding (vertical-up, overhead, horizontal) in conjunction with appropriate welding parameters and techniques.
For **vertical-up welding**, a short-circuit transfer mode is often preferred to manage the weld pool.
Its consistent performance across various positions makes it a go-to for diverse fabrication needs.

Question 6: How does ER70S-6 compare to ER70S-2?

While both are mild steel wires, ER70S-6 contains higher levels of manganese and silicon than ER70S-2.
This gives ER70S-6 superior deoxidizing properties, making it more forgiving on dirtier or lightly rusted surfaces.
ER70S-2 is generally used on cleaner base metals where minimal porosity is critical, often found in pipe welding or situations requiring very clean welds.
Choosing between them depends on the **base metal cleanliness** and application requirements.

Question 7: What are the typical mechanical properties of deposited ER70S-6 weld metal?

The deposited weld metal from ER70S-6 typically exhibits a tensile strength of approximately 70,000 psi (480 MPa) or higher.
It also has a yield strength of around 58,000 psi (400 MPa) and good elongation, indicating excellent ductility.
These **welding wire properties** ensure strong and reliable welds suitable for demanding structural applications.

Question 8: Is copper coating on ER70S-6 necessary?

The copper coating on ER70S-6 wire serves several purposes: it improves electrical conductivity, enhances feedability through the welding gun, and provides some corrosion resistance to the wire itself before welding.
While some newer wires are non-copper-coated, the majority of **ER70S-6 wire** still features this coating for optimal performance.

Question 9: Can ER70S-6 be used with pulsed MIG welding?

Yes, ER70S-6 is suitable for pulsed MIG welding, especially with argon-rich gas mixtures.
Pulsed MIG offers better control over the weld pool, reduced heat input, and can improve out-of-position welding capabilities and reduce spatter.
It's an advanced technique that can maximize the benefits of **ER70S-6 performance**.

Question 10: What spool sizes are available for ER70S-6 welding wire?

ER70S-6 welding wire is available in various spool sizes to accommodate different welding needs, ranging from small 1-lb or 2-lb spools for hobbyists to larger 33-lb, 44-lb, or even 60-lb spools for industrial applications and bulk usage.
The choice of **welding wire spool size** depends on consumption rate and equipment compatibility.

Question 11: What is the recommended contact tip-to-work distance for ER70S-6?

The recommended contact tip-to-work distance (CTWD), also known as stick-out, typically ranges from 3/8 inch to 3/4 inch (9.5 mm to 19 mm).
Maintaining the correct CTWD is crucial for arc stability, penetration, and overall **MIG welding quality**.
Too short can lead to arc instability, while too long can result in lack of fusion.

Question 12: How important is proper wire feed speed for ER70S-6?

Wire feed speed is critically important as it directly controls the amperage and amount of filler metal being deposited.
An incorrect wire feed speed can lead to poor penetration, excessive spatter, or an unstable arc.
Optimizing **wire feed settings** along with voltage is key to achieving a stable arc and desired weld bead characteristics.

Question 13: Does ER70S-6 require preheating?

For most mild steel applications with ER70S-6, preheating is not typically required.
However, for thicker sections, restrained joints, or certain low-temperature applications, preheating might be necessary to prevent hydrogen-induced cracking and ensure optimal **weld integrity**.
Consult relevant welding codes or specifications for specific requirements.

Question 14: What are common causes of porosity when using ER70S-6?

Common causes of porosity when using ER70S-6 include inadequate shielding gas coverage (due to wind, incorrect flow rate, or blocked nozzle), contaminants on the base metal (rust, oil, paint), excessive wire feed speed, or moisture in the shielding gas.
Proper technique and **welding consumable storage** are vital to prevent porosity.

Question 15: Is ER70S-6 suitable for multi-pass welding?

Yes, ER70S-6 is well-suited for multi-pass welding applications.
Its inherent deoxidizers help to clean the weld puddle, and its consistent mechanical properties ensure that subsequent passes maintain weld integrity and strength.
It’s a reliable choice for building up thicker sections or making multiple passes on **structural welds**.

Question 16: Can ER70S-6 be used with flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) equipment?

No, ER70S-6 is a solid wire designed for Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG) and requires an external shielding gas.
Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) uses tubular wires with a flux core that provides its own shielding, or requires a gas depending on the specific flux-cored wire.
They are distinct processes with different **welding wire types**.

Question 17: What is the typical shelf life of ER70S-6 welding wire?

When stored properly in a dry environment and its packaging remains intact, ER70S-6 welding wire can have an indefinite shelf life.
However, exposure to moisture, humidity, or corrosive atmospheres can degrade the wire, leading to feeding issues or weld defects.
Proper **welding wire storage** is crucial to maintain quality.

Question 18: Are there different classifications of ER70S-6 based on specific applications?

While ER70S-6 itself is a specific classification under AWS A5.18, there can be slight variations in manufacturer-specific formulations that optimize for certain characteristics like improved arc stability or reduced spatter.
However, they all must meet the minimum chemical and mechanical property requirements of the **AWS A5.18 standard**.

Question 19: What safety precautions should be observed when welding with ER70S-6?

Standard welding safety precautions apply, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as welding helmets with proper shade, gloves, and fire-resistant clothing.
Ensure adequate ventilation to remove welding fumes and be aware of electrical hazards.
Always follow manufacturer safety data sheets (MSDS) for **welding safety guidelines**.

Question 20: Where can I find more technical data on ER70S-6?

Detailed technical data sheets for ER70S-6 can be obtained from specific welding wire manufacturers (e.g., Lincoln Electric, Esab, Hobart).
The American Welding Society (AWS) A5.18 specification also provides comprehensive information on the chemical composition, mechanical properties, and testing requirements for this **MIG welding wire classification**.