ER 218 Welding Wire

ER 218 Welding Wire Supplier - Nitronic® 60W Anti-Galling Filler | AWS A5.9 | UNS S21880

Name: ER 218 Welding Wire
Brand: Nicorex Alloys

Nicorex Alloys is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified importer, stockist, and supplier of ER218 welding wire based in Mumbai, India. We supply ER 218 Welding Wires in compliance with AWS A5.9 / ASME SFA-5.9.

Also known as Nitronic® 60W (Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corp.), the only AWS-classified stainless steel filler wire for galling and wear resistance. Nitrogen-strengthened, high manganese-silicon austenitic stainless steel ER218 (UNS S21880) has a typical weld deposit composition of 17% chromium, 8.5% nickel, 8% manganese, 4% silicon, and 0.12% nitrogen. The key difference is 3.5-4.5% silicon, 5-10 times higher than any conventional stainless filler. That high silicon forms hard intermetallic phases at wear surfaces, creating a low-friction layer that resists adhesive galling. Typical all-weld-metal tensile strength reaches 848 MPa (123,000 psi) with a yield of 586 MPa (85,000 psi). ER218 weld deposits exhibit higher yield strength, combined with superior galling resistance. Elongation is 25% minimum with a hardness of approximately 25 HRC. TIG cut lengths are 1.6 to 4.8 mm, and MIG spools are 0.8 to 1.6 mm in 25 lb packages.

The primary base metal is Nitronic® 60 (UNS S21800), with compatibility for dissimilar joints to 300-series stainless steels and GMAW overlay on mild steel. The weld deposit has little or no ferrite, requiring low heat input and convex bead profiles to avoid hot cracking. ER385 uses 1.2–2.0% copper to form a protective film, ensuring superior resistance to reducing acids and hot chloride pitting. Every shipment carries EN 10204/3.1B mill test certificates.

ER218 Welding Wire Specifications

The ER218 specification table below lists classification, weld process, dimensions, shielding gas, and critical process restrictions

ASME SFA	SFA-5.9
Welding Processes	GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), SAW, PAW
Polarity	(GTAW): DCEN (GMAW): DCEP
Welding Positions	All (F, V, H, OH)
TIG Rod Diameters	1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2, 4.8 mm
TIG Rod Length	914 mm (36″)
MIG Wire Diameters	0.8, 0.9, 1.14, 1.6 mm
MIG Spool Size	25 lb (11.3 kg)
Shielding Gas	(GTAW): 100% Argon (GMAW): 90He/7.5Ar/2.5CO₂ or 69Ar/30He/1CO₂ or 75Ar/25He

Understanding the ER218 AWS Classification

The following table breaks down the technical classification for ER218, highlighting how its high Silicon and Manganese content make it the premier choice for anti-galling applications.

Component	Meaning & Specification	Key Benefit
ER	Electrode / Rod	A bare wire filler used for both TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW) processes.
218	200-Series Family	Identifies the Cr-Ni-Mn-Si nitrogen-strengthened austenitic family.
UNS S21880	Unified Numbering	The official global designation for the specific weld wire deposit.
Si	High Silicon (~4%)	Creates hard intermetallic phases that resist metal-to-metal adhesive wear.
Mn & N	Mn-Enhanced + Nitrogen	Provides solid-solution strengthening and keeps the weld fully austenitic.
Nitronic® 60W	Trade Name	The “W” version is specifically designed for welding Nitronic 60 base metals.

ER218 (Nitronic® 60W) is a nitrogen-strengthened, high-silicon austenitic wire specifically engineered for superior galling and wear resistance. Its unique 4% silicon content creates hard intermetallic phases that prevent metal-to-metal adhesive wear in high-friction industrial environments.

Weld Deposit Chemical Composition of ER218

Reference the following data for a full chemical composition of AWS A5.9 ER218 and its specific alloying elements

Specification	Carbon (C)	Silicon (Si)	Manganese (Mn)	Chromium (Cr)	Nickel (Ni)	Nitrogen (N)	Molybdenum (Mo)	Copper (Cu)	Phosphorus (P)	Sulphur (S)	Iron (Fe)
AWS A5.9 Req. (%)	0.10 max	3.5–4.5	7.0–9.0	16.0–18.0	8.0–9.0	0.08–0.18	0.75 max	0.75 max	0.03 max	0.03 max	Balance
Typical (%)	0.07	3.9	8.2	17.2	8.6	0.12	—	—	0.02	0.01	Balance

The 3.5- 4.5% silicon forms silicon-enriched intermetallic phases that create a hard, low-friction surface at wear interfaces. This creates a reinforced austenitic matrix with galling resistance that no other AWS A5.9 filler wire can match with 7-9% manganese and 0.08-0.18% nitrogen. As-welded corrosion resistance is maintained by the controlled carbon level, which helps maintain corrosion resistance in the as-welded condition.

All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Properties of ER218

ER218 all-weld-metal mechanical properties in the as-welded condition are given below. ER218 delivers the highest yield strength of any standard stainless steel filler wire classified under AWS A5.9.

Specification	Tensile Strength	Yield Strength (0.2%)	Elongation	Impact (Charpy V-notch)	Impact (cryogenic)	Hardness
Typical Value	848 MPa (123,000 psi)	586 MPa (85,000 psi)	≥25% min	68 J at 23°C (50 ft-lbs)	14 J at −196°C (10 ft-lbs)	~25 HRC

This extraordinary strength comes with decreased elongation (15% vs 36% for ER209 and 38% for ER308L) because of the high silicon concentration. In the AWS A5.9 range, ER218 is among the best for wear resistance and strength over ductility.

Base Metal Compatibility

ER218 anti-galling filler wire is matched to Nitronic® 60 and also serves dissimilar and overlay joints where wear resistance at the weld interface is required.

Base Metal	UNS	P-No.	ER218 Use
Nitronic 60	S21800	P-8	Primary matching filler
304/304L SS	S30400/S30403	P-8	Dissimilar — adds galling resistance
316L SS	S31603	P-8	Dissimilar — adds galling resistance
347 SS	S34700	P-8	Dissimilar — compatible
Mild Steel (overlay)	P-1	—	Wear/corrosion overlay; GMAW only

For direct overlay on mild steel, use the GMAW (MIG) process only. GTAW, PAW, and electron beam processes are not recommended for direct ER218 application on mild steel due to dilution and cracking concerns.

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Industrial Welding Applications of ER218

The following are the industrial applications of ER218:

For power generation, it ensures that fasteners and wear rings in high-temperature turbines remain removable and functional by resisting atmospheric galling.
In food and beverage processing, it provides a sanitary, wear-resistant surface for conveyor parts and mixing equipment where lubricants cannot be used.
For oil and gas operations, it is applied to pump components and downhole tools to maintain structural integrity under high loads and abrasive conditions.
In wastewater treatment, this wire protects gate valves and mechanical seals from the combined effects of constant friction and corrosive media.

Available Forms & Packaging

ER218 welding wire is stocked in 2 product forms to cover GTAW and GMAW requirements.

Form	Diameter Range	Packaging
TIG Rods (cut lengths)	1.6–4.8 mm, 914 mm (36″) length	10 lb tubes
MIG Spools	0.8–1.6 mm	25–30 lb spools

How to Order ER209 Welding Wire

To order ER218 anti-galling stainless welding wire from Nicorex Alloys, provide the following 8 details :

Wire Type - GTAW / GMAW; AWS A5.9 / ASME SFA-5.9: ER218
Size - GTAW: 1.6, 2.4, 3.2 mm cut lengths; GMAW: 0.9, 1.0, 1.2 mm spools
Current Type - GTAW: DCEN; GMAW: DCEP, 100% Ar or Ar/CO₂ shielding gas
Welding Position - All positions (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 6G)
Material Grade - 218; UNS S21800; W.Nr. 1.3816; EN ISO 14343-A: W 18 8 Mn
Quantity - GTAW: 5 kg packs; GMAW: 15 kg spools - specify count
Standard - AWS A5.9 / ASME SFA-5.9; EN ISO 14343; ASME Section IX
Documentation - MTC EN 10204 3.1/3.2; FN Report; TPI certificate
Packaging - GTAW: rigid plastic tubes/cardboard box; GMAW: vacuum-sealed foil bag with silica gel; export cartons ISPM 15 compliant if international
Delivery Destination - Domestic / International - specify port or delivery address

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does ER218 resist galling better than ER308L or ER316L?

ER218 contains 3.5-4.5% silicon – approximately 5-10 times more than standard stainless fillers. Hard intermetallic phases at worn surfaces resist adhesive metal-to-metal galling due to high silicon. Nitrogen strengthening (0.08-0.18% N) hardens the austenite matrix, improving wear resistance.

What is the Difference between ER218 (Nitronic 60W) and ER209 (Nitronic 50W)?

Both are nitrogen-strengthened austenitic fillers from the 200-series family, but with different purposes. ER218 is formulated for galling and wear resistance (high Si ~4%, high Mn ~8%). ER209 is formulated for strength and corrosion resistance (higher Mo ~2%, higher Cr ~22%). .

Can ER218 Be Used for Overlay on Carbon Steel?

Yes, but only via GMAW (MIG). GTAW, PAW, and electron beam processes are not recommended for direct ER218 application on mild steel due to dilution and cracking concerns.

What is the Ferrite Content of ER218 Weld Deposits?

ER218 contains little or no ferrite; the deposit is fully austenitic.

What is the F-Number of ER218 per ASME Section IX?

F-Number of ER218 is 6 (stainless steel bare wire per QW-432), while A-Number is 8 (austenitic Cr-Ni-Mn deposit per QW-442).

What Base Metals does ER218 Weld?

Primarily Nitronic® 60 (UNS S21800) per ASTM A276, A240, AMS 5848, A479, and A193/A194. Also suitable for dissimilar joints with 300-series stainless steels and for GMAW overlay on mild steel for combined corrosion and wear resistance.