You are here: Home » Products » Stainless Steel Welding Wire » AWS A5.9 ER304 Stainless Steel Welding Wire

AWS A5.9 ER304 Stainless Steel Welding Wire

1. AWS A5.9 ER304 is a classification solid stainless steel welding wire or rod. 
2. It is primarily designed for (GMAW/MIG) and (GTAW/TIG) processes.
3. ER304 wire is used to weld Type 304 stainless steel and other similar steels.
4. Approximately 18-20% chromium and 8-10.5% nickel.
5. While ER304 is classified, it's more common to see ER308 or ER308L.
  • AWS A5.9 ER304

  • 1kg,5kg,15kg,20kg

  • 1lb;2lb;4.5lb;11lb;15lb;20lb;33lb;44lb

  • 0.6mm;0.8mm;0.9mm;1.0mm;1.2mm;1.6;2.0mm

  • 0.023;0.030in;0.035in;3/64″;0.045;1/16″;5/64″

  • 1.6mm,2.0mm,2.4mm,3.2mm,4.0mm,5.0mm

  • 1/16 ″in;5/64″in;3/32″in;1/8″in;5/32″inch

  • D100,D200,D270,D300,BS300,K300

  • Acceptable (design the pack with your logo)

  • 15 Days

  • Welding Wire Catalogue-giant weld.pdf

Availability:
facebook sharing button
twitter sharing button
line sharing button
wechat sharing button
linkedin sharing button
pinterest sharing button
whatsapp sharing button
sharethis sharing button

Product Description

| AWS A5.9 ER304 Stainless Steel Welding Wire Description


1)AWS A5.9 ER304 is a classification for a solid wire electrode or rod used primarily for Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW or MIG) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW or TIG) of stainless steels.

2)The "ER" prefix designates it as an electrode or rod, while "304" refers to its chemical composition, which is similar to that of Type 304 austenitic stainless steel.


3)Its nominal chemical composition typically includes 18-20% chromium and 8-10.5% nickel, which are the key alloying elements providing good general corrosion resistance and high-temperature oxidation resistance.


4)ER304 welding wire is specifically designed for welding Type 304, 304L, and similar austenitic stainless steels, where the base material's properties (like corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal) need to be maintained in the weld.


5)While it provides a weld metal matching the base metal's composition, it is less commonly used than ER308 or ER308L for welding 304 stainless steel. This is because ER308/308L produces a weld metal with a small amount of delta ferrite, which significantly improves resistance to hot cracking and promotes better overall weldability.


6)Suitability for General Fabrication: Due to its balanced properties and ease of use, ER70S-3 is a popular choice for general fabrication work, structural steel erection, automotive repairs, and other applications where the base metal has a relatively clean surface and high strength requirements are not the absolute priority.


| AWS A5.9 ER304 Stainless Steel Welding Wire Down Load


AWS A5.9 ER304 Stainless Steel Welding Wire.pdf



| AWS A5.9 ER304 Stainless Steel Welding Wire Data Sheet

Standard

AWS A 5.9

YB/T5092

Chemical Composition %


C

Mn

Si

Cr

Ni

P

S

Grade

ER304

0.08

1.0  2.5

 0.60

17  19

8  11

 0.03

 0.03

Type

Spool  (MIG)

Tube  (TIG)

Specification ( MM )

0.80.91.01.21.62.0

1.62.02.43.24.05.0

Package

S100/1kg          S200/5kg

S270,S300/15kg-20kg

5kg/box    10kg/box    length :1000MM

Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength Mpa

Elongation after fracture  A%


520

30

DiameterMM

0.8

1.0

1.2

1.6

2.0

2.5

3.2

CurrentA

70 ~ 150

100 ~ 200

140 ~ 220

50 ~ 100

100 ~ 200

200 ~ 300

300 ~ 400


AWS A5.9 ER304 Stainless Steel Welding Wire Parameters

Diameter Process
in mm
0.03 0.8 GMAW
0.035 0.9 GMAW
0.039 1.0  GMAW
1/25.4”
0.045 1.2 GMAW
3/64”
1/16” 1.6 GMAW
3/32” 2.4 GMAW
Diameter Process
in mm
1/16” 1.6 GTAW
3/32” 2.4 GTAW
1/8” 3.2 GTAW
5/32” 4.0  GTAW
3/16” 4.8 GTAW
Weight 0.5kg 1kg 2kg 5kg 15kg 20kg
1 lb 2 lb 4 lb 11 lb 33 lb 44 lb


| AWS A5.9 ER304 Stainless Steel Welding Wire Workshop Show

AWS A5.9 ER304 Stainless Steel Welding Wire


| AWS A5.9 ER304 Stainless Steel Welding Wire Production Video




| AWS A5.9 ER304 Stainless Steel Welding Wire Application

AWS A5.9 ER304 Stainless Steel Welding Wire



| AWS A5.9 ER304 Stainless Steel Welding Wire Certificate

AWS A5.9 ER304 Stainless Steel Welding Wire



| AWS A5.9 ER304 Stainless Steel Welding Wire Comment & FAQ


What is AWS A5.9 ER304 Stainless Steel Welding Wire?

AWS A5.9 ER304 is a classification for a **solid stainless steel welding wire** or rod. It's primarily designed for **Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)** and **Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG)** processes. This **welding consumable** matches the chemical composition of Type 304 stainless steel, offering good **corrosion resistance** and aesthetic appeal in the weld.


What are the key characteristics of ER304 welding wire?

ER304 wire typically contains 18-20% chromium and 8-10.5% nickel, mirroring the composition of 304 stainless steel. This provides excellent **general corrosion resistance** and good performance at elevated temperatures. It delivers a clean, spatter-free arc with appropriate shielding gas, crucial for high-quality **stainless steel fabrication**.


What are the primary applications for ER304 stainless steel welding wire?

ER304 welding wire is used in applications where the specific metallurgy of 304 stainless steel is required in the weld deposit. This includes certain components in the **food and beverage industry**, architectural finishes, and general fabrication of 304 stainless steel where color match and specific corrosion resistance are paramount. It's a precise **welding solution** for specific needs.


What base materials are compatible with ER304 wire?

ER304 welding wire is engineered to weld **Type 304 stainless steel**, as well as other similar austenitic grades such as 302 and 308. It ensures the weld metal's properties closely match those of the base material, maintaining **material integrity** and **corrosion performance** across the joint.


What shielding gas is recommended for MIG welding with ER304?

For MIG welding with ER304, a shielding gas mixture of **argon with 1-2% oxygen** or **argon with 1-2% CO2** is commonly recommended. These mixtures help stabilize the arc, reduce spatter, and ensure a clean weld bead. For TIG welding, pure argon is the standard **shielding gas** choice for optimal arc stability and **weld quality**.


How does ER304 differ from ER308 or ER308L welding wires?

While ER304, ER308, and ER308L are all used for welding 304 stainless steel, ER308 and especially ER308L are more commonly preferred. ER308/308L contains a small amount of **delta ferrite** in its weld metal, which significantly improves resistance to **hot cracking** (solidification cracking) and offers better overall **weldability** compared to the fully austenitic ER304. This makes ER308L a more robust **welding consumable** for general 304 applications, offering enhanced crack resistance.


Why is ER308L often preferred over ER304 for welding 304 stainless steel?

ER308L is preferred because its controlled ferrite content provides superior resistance to hot cracking, a common issue with fully austenitic weld metals like ER304. The "L" in ER308L indicates a lower carbon content, which further minimizes carbide precipitation and intergranular corrosion, especially important in multi-pass welding or applications involving high temperatures. This ensures greater **weld integrity** and long-term **corrosion resistance**.


Can ER304 be used for high-temperature applications?

ER304 stainless steel, and consequently welds made with ER304 filler metal, exhibit good resistance to oxidation at elevated temperatures. However, for continuous service above 800°F (425°C), the higher carbon content of standard 304 (compared to 304L) can lead to **sensitization** and carbide precipitation, potentially reducing intergranular corrosion resistance. For such applications, using ER308L or other stabilized grades might be more appropriate to maintain **material performance**.


What are the available forms and diameters for ER304 welding wire?

ER304 stainless steel welding wire is typically available on spools for MIG welding (common sizes include 0.030", 0.035", 0.045", and 0.0625") and as cut lengths (rods) for TIG welding (common sizes include 1/16", 3/32", 1/8"). The choice of **wire diameter** depends on the welding process, material thickness, and desired amperage, impacting overall **welding efficiency**.


What special considerations are there for welding ER304?

When welding ER304, maintaining low heat input is important to minimize distortion and prevent carbide precipitation, especially in thicker sections or multi-pass welds. Proper **joint preparation** and maintaining consistent interpass temperatures are also crucial for achieving sound **stainless steel welds**. Purging the backside of the weld with inert gas is recommended for TIG welding to prevent oxidation and ensure optimal **corrosion resistance**.


How does ER304 contribute to corrosion resistance in welds?

ER304's chemical composition, particularly its chromium and nickel content, ensures that the weld metal forms a passive oxide layer similar to the base metal. This layer provides inherent **corrosion resistance** against a wide range of corrosive media. Maintaining a clean weld and minimizing defects are key to preserving this protection in the **welded joint**.


Is ER304 suitable for cryogenic applications?

Austenitic stainless steels, including 304 and welds made with ER304, generally maintain their toughness and ductility at cryogenic temperatures. This makes them suitable for applications involving extremely low temperatures, where other materials might become brittle. The stable austenitic microstructure contributes to this **low-temperature performance**.


What kind of slag does ER304 welding wire produce?

As a solid wire, ER304 welding wire produces essentially no slag during MIG or TIG welding. Any residue would be minimal, consisting primarily of silicon oxides or other deoxidizer byproducts, which are easily cleaned. This slag-free characteristic simplifies **post-weld cleaning** and improves **welding productivity**.


What are the typical mechanical properties of an ER304 weld?

Welds made with ER304 typically exhibit good tensile strength (around 80,000-90,000 psi or 550-620 MPa), yield strength (around 40,000-50,000 psi or 275-345 MPa), and excellent elongation (around 35-45%). These properties ensure the weld is strong, ductile, and capable of withstanding the demands of various **stainless steel applications**.


Where can I find the AWS A5.9 standard for ER304?

The full specifications for AWS A5.9 ER304, along with other stainless steel welding consumables, can be found in the official **AWS A5.9/A5.9M: Specification for Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods** document. This standard provides detailed chemical requirements, mechanical properties, and other classification criteria essential for **welding engineers** and **quality control**.


Can ER304 be used for pulse MIG welding?

Yes, ER304 can be effectively used with **pulse MIG welding**. Pulse MIG offers benefits such as improved arc control, reduced heat input, better penetration, and enhanced out-of-position welding capabilities, all of which are advantageous when welding stainless steels. This advanced **welding technique** helps achieve superior **weld quality** and aesthetic.


Is preheating necessary when welding with ER304?

Generally, **preheating is not required** when welding standard 304 stainless steel with ER304 filler metal, especially for typical thicknesses. In fact, excessive preheating can contribute to sensitization. For very thick sections or highly constrained joints, a mild preheat (e.g., up to 100°C) might be considered to control distortion, but it's less common than for carbon steels.


What certifications should I look for when purchasing ER304 wire?

When purchasing ER304 wire, look for certifications that confirm compliance with **AWS A5.9** and any relevant third-party approvals from classification societies like ABS, DNV GL, Lloyd's Register, or TÜV, especially for critical applications. These certifications assure the product meets stringent **quality standards** and performance criteria for **industrial welding**.


How does wire feed speed affect welding with ER304?

Wire feed speed (WFS) directly correlates with the welding current and heat input. For ER304, optimizing WFS is crucial for achieving proper penetration, bead profile, and preventing issues like burn-through on thinner materials or lack of fusion on thicker sections. Correct WFS, combined with appropriate voltage, is key to successful **MIG welding** of **stainless steel**.


What is the importance of surface preparation for ER304 welding?

Thorough **surface preparation** is critical for ER304 welding. The weld area should be free from grease, oil, rust, paint, and other contaminants. Contaminants can introduce porosity, reduce corrosion resistance, and lead to various weld defects. Proper cleaning, often with stainless steel brushes or specialized cleaners, is essential for producing **high-quality, defect-free stainless steel welds**.


Previous: 
Next: 

CONSULT YOUR GIANT WELDING EXPERT

We help you avoid the pitfalls to deliver the quality and value your welding wire need, on-time and on-budget.
Contact us
Products
About Us
Quick Links
Follow Us
COPYRIGHT © 2025 GIANT WELDING CO.,LTD ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.