AWS Classification Explained: What Does ERNiCrMo-3 Mean?
The AWS designation ERNiCrMo-3 encodes the product form, primary alloying elements, and composition variant in a single alphanumeric string.
| Designation Element |
Meaning |
| ER |
Electrode/Rod: bare solid wire for GTAW, GMAW, SAW, PAW |
| Ni |
Primary element is Nickel (58.0% minimum) |
| Cr |
Chromium (20.0–23.0%) |
| Mo |
Molybdenum (8.0–10.0%) |
| -3 |
Third composition variant in the NiCrMo family within AWS A5.14 |
ERNiCrMo-3 is the most widely used Ni-Cr-Mo filler containing Nb+Ta additions (3.15–4.15% Nb+Ta). This Nb delivers precipitation-strengthened tensile values and hot-cracking resistance that no other NiCrMo wire provides.
Weld Deposit Chemical Composition of ERNiCrMo-3
The weld deposit composition per AWS A5.14 determines the final corrosion and mechanical performance of the joint.
| Element |
Nickel (Ni) |
Chromium (Cr) |
Molybdenum (Mo) |
Niobium + Tantalum (Nb+Ta) |
Iron (Fe) |
Carbon (C) |
Manganese (Mn) |
Silicon (Si) |
Aluminium (Al) |
Titanium (Ti) |
Copper (Cu) |
Phosphorus (P) |
Sulphur (S) |
Other elements, total |
| Composition (wt%) |
58.0 min (Balance) |
20.0–23.0 |
8.0–10.0 |
3.15–4.15 |
5.0 max |
0.10 max |
0.50 max |
0.50 max |
0.40 max |
0.40 max |
0.50 max |
0.02 max |
0.015 max |
0.50 max |
Nb+Ta at 3.15–4.15% is the defining alloying addition. Niobium strengthens the deposit through gamma-double-prime (Ni₃Nb) precipitation and refines the solidification grain structure, which is why this wire resists hot cracking in restrained dissimilar joints. Cr at 20–23% paired with Mo at 8–10% resists pitting, crevice corrosion, and chloride stress cracking across mixed environments.
All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Properties of ERNiCrMo-3
Minimum as-welded mechanical properties, including tensile and yield strength and elongation, are listed in the table below.
| Property |
Tensile Strength (min) |
Yield Strength, 0.2% Offset (min) |
Elongation in 50 mm (min) |
| Value |
760 MPa (110,000 psi) |
414 MPa (60,000 psi) |
30% |
ERNiCrMo-3 holds one of the highest minimum tensile strengths among standard NiCrMo fillers in AWS A5.14. This strength advantage comes from niobium precipitation strengthening and holds from -196°C to approximately 600°C.
Base Metal Compatibility and P-Number Matrix for ERNiCrMo-3
ERNiCrMo-3 welds more base metal combinations than any other single filler in AWS A5.14. The table below maps key joint categories and ASME Section IX P-Numbers.
| Joint Category |
Base Metals |
P-Number |
| Matching |
Inconel 625 (N06625) |
P-43 |
| Same-Family |
Inconel 601, 690 |
P-43 |
| Same-Family |
Incoloy 800 / 800H / 800HT / 825 |
P-45 |
| Super-Austenitic |
254 SMO, AL-6XN, Alloy 20, 904L |
P-8 / P-45 |
| Super Duplex |
2507 (S32750) |
P-10H |
| Cryogenic |
9% Ni Steel (ASTM A553) |
P-11A Grp 1 |
| Dissimilar |
Carbon steel (P-1) to austenitic SS (P-8) |
P-1 / P-8 |
| Dissimilar |
Carbon steel to any nickel alloy |
P-1 / P-41/42/43/45 |
| Dissimilar |
Austenitic SS to any nickel alloy |
P-8 / P-43/45 |
| Overlay Cladding |
CRA overlay on carbon/alloy steel vessels |
— |
Recommended Welding Parameters for ERNiCrMo-3 Welding Filler Wire
Typical amperage, voltage, and gas settings for GTAW and GMAW processes with Inconel 625 filler wire are given below.
GTAW (TIG) Parameters
| Diameter |
Current (A) |
Voltage (V) |
Shielding Gas |
| 1.6 mm (1/16″) |
80–130 |
12–15 |
100% Argon |
| 2.4 mm (3/32″) |
120–175 |
13–17 |
100% Argon |
| 3.2 mm (1/8″) |
150–220 |
14–18 |
100% Argon |
GMAW (MIG) Parameters
| Diameter |
Current (A) |
Voltage (V) |
Transfer / Gas |
| 0.9 mm – Short Circuit |
80–100 |
18–20 |
100% Ar or 75Ar/25He |
| 1.2 mm – Short Circuit |
90–170 |
19–23 |
100% Ar or 75Ar/25He |
| 1.2 mm – Spray |
200–260 |
28–32 |
100% Argon |
Use the stringer bead technique only. The NiCrMo weld pool is sluggish with poor wetting. Keep arc length short to avoid porosity. Nickel alloys are sensitive to S, P, Pb, and Zn contamination. Degrease with acetone or MEK within 25 mm of the joint. Pure CO₂ must never be used as shielding gas for nickel alloy GMAW. For 9% nickel steel (LNG), restrict interpass to 100°C max, use stringer beads only, and apply no preheat.
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Industrial Welding Applications of ERNiCrMo-3 TIG Welding Rod
ERNiCrMo-3 serves the broadest range of welding applications of any nickel alloy filler in commercial production.
Storage and Handling of ERNiCrMo 3 Filler Wire
ERNiCrMo-3 is a solid bare wire. Moisture absorption is not a concern. Surface contamination is the primary quality risk. Store in original sealed packaging at 15–30°C and below 60% RH. Keep wire away from carbon steel tools, machining oils, galvanised materials, and sulphur-bearing chemicals. Handle with clean gloves and use stainless-steel-dedicated tooling only. Before welding, degrease base metal and filler surfaces with acetone or MEK within 25 mm of the joint.
Available Forms, Diameters and Packaging of ERNiCrMo-3 Wire
ERNiCrMo-3 MIG & TIG filler metal and wire from Nicorex Alloys is available in the following forms, diameters, and packaging. Every shipment is supplied with a Mill Test Certificate 3.1 per EN 10204.
| Form |
Diameters |
Packaging |
| TIG Rod (GTAW) |
1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2 mm |
915 mm or 1000 mm tubes, 5 kg packs, 20 kg cartons |
| MIG Wire (GMAW) |
0.9, 1.0, 1.2, 1.6 mm |
15 kg (33 lb) spools |
| SAW Wire |
1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2 mm |
Coils (25 kg), drums (200–250 kg) |
| Strip (Automated Cladding) |
0.5 × 30 mm, 0.5 × 60 mm |
Coils — for automated strip overlay |
| SMAW Electrode (ENiCrMo-3) |
2.4, 3.2, 4.0 mm |
Hermetically sealed cans (2.5 kg, 5 kg) |
How to Order ERNiCrMo-3 Welding Wire from Nicorex Alloys
ERNiCrMo-3 (Inconel 625) is stocked in the widest range of forms and diameters of any nickel alloy filler in the Nicorex Alloys inventory. Include these details in your RFQ:
As a distributor, Nicorex Alloys stocks ERNiCrMo-3 TIG rod, MIG wire, and ENiCrMo-3 SMAW electrodes as complete Inconel 625 consumable sets. Automated strip cladding forms are available on request.
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