304 TIG Welding Wire: The ‘All-Rounder’ for Stainless Steel Welding

304 TIG welding wire is a specialised filler material designed specifically for 304 stainless steel. With its excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and welding adaptability, it has become the top choice in industries such as food, medical, and chemical, earning it the title of the ‘all-rounder’ for stainless steel welding.

The core composition of 304 TIG welding wire is identical to that of 304 stainless steel, primarily containing 18%-20% chromium and 8%-10.5% nickel, along with small amounts of manganese, silicon, and other elements. This ‘18-8’ composition system:

• Provides the welding wire with excellent oxidation resistance, enabling it to withstand exposure to air, fresh water, and weakly corrosive media;

    • Ensures the toughness of the welded joint, preventing low-temperature brittleness;

• Matches the composition of the 304 base material, reducing the risk of weld cracks.

Compared to 316 welding wire (containing molybdenum, offering stronger resistance to pitting corrosion), 304 welding wire is more cost-effective and better suited for non-extreme corrosive environments.

The specifications of 304 TIG welding wire should be selected based on weld thickness and current. Common parameters are as follows:
Welding wire diameter (mm) Applicable plate thickness (mm) Recommended current (A) Typical applications 
1.0 0.8–2.0 50–100 Thin-walled pipes, kitchenware accessories 
1.2 1.5–3.0 80–140 Pressure vessels, structural components 
1.6 2.5–5.0 120–180 Equipment flanges, thick-walled components 

The inert gas shielding environment of TIG welding maximises the advantages of 304 welding wire:

• Stable arc, aesthetically pleasing weld bead formation, no spatter;

• Maintains joint ductility even at low welding temperatures (≤150°C), suitable for precision components;

    • Can weld dissimilar steels (e.g., 304 and 304L), but heat input must be controlled to prevent intergranular corrosion.

Common grades: ER304*1.2/1.6/2.0/2.5