What Does ERNiCu-7 Mean? - AWS A5.14 Classification Explained
ERNiCu-7 is a nickel‑copper filler metal. Each part of the code shows its form and alloy type.
| Prefix |
Meaning |
| E |
Electrode — consumable electrode for GMAW and SAW |
| R |
Rod — filler rod for GTAW |
| Ni |
Nickel — base element (62% min) |
| Cu |
Copper — principal alloying element (~29–32%) |
| -7 |
Seventh Ni-Cu alloy variant within AWS A5.14 |
The “ER” prefix means the wire can be used as both an electrode (GMAW, SAW) and a rod (GTAW). “Cu” shows it is a nickel‑copper alloy, different from Ni‑Cr and Ni‑Cr‑Mo grades. ERNiCu-7 is a nickel‑based filler for Monel 400, while ERCuNi is a copper‑based filler for 70/30 and 90/10 Cu‑Ni alloys.
Chemical Composition of ERNiCu-7 (AWS A5.14)
This section shows the chemical composition of ERNiCu-7 as per AWS A5.14, focusing on nickel, copper, and other key elements.
| Specification |
Nickel (Ni) |
Copper (Cu) |
Titanium (Ti) |
Manganese (Mn) |
Iron (Fe) |
Silicon (Si) |
Carbon (C) |
Aluminium (Al) |
Phosphorus (P) |
Sulphur (S) |
Other Elements (total) |
| AWS A5.14 Req. (%) |
62.0 min (+Co) |
Remainder (~29–32) |
1.5–3.0 |
2.5–3.5 |
2.5 max |
1.25 max |
0.15 max |
1.25 max |
0.020 max |
0.015 max |
0.50 max |
Titanium is the main deoxidiser; it removes oxygen and nitrogen from the molten Ni-Cu weld, reducing porosity. Manganese (2.5-3.5%) improves bead flow and resistance to hot cracking. With no chromium or molybdenum, ERNiCu-7 is not suitable for oxidising acids. In SAW, flux can change Ti and Si levels, so each MTC confirms actual chemistry.
Mechanical Properties of ERNiCu-7 Weld Deposit
This table shows typical as-welded mechanical properties of ERNiCu-7, including strength, elongation, and hardness values.
| Specification |
Tensile Strength |
Yield Strength (0.2%) |
Elongation |
Hardness |
| Typical Value (As-Welded) |
480–550 MPa (70–80 ksi) |
275–380 MPa (40–55 ksi) |
25–35% |
~70–80 HRB |
ERNiCu-7 welds cannot be age-hardened. Monel K-500 can reach over 690 MPa by heat treatment, but ERNiCu-7 weld metal cannot be strengthened to that level, which makes K-500 joints weaker at the weld. SAW results may vary slightly from GTAW due to flux effects.
Base Metals Compatible with ERNiCu-7 SAW Wire
The table below shows base metal compatibility for ERNiCu-7 SAW wire, including Monel alloys, copper-nickel grades, and dissimilar metal welding applications.
| Base Metal |
UNS |
P-Number |
Typical Application |
| Monel 400 |
N04400 |
P-No. 42 |
Primary — seawater piping, HF acid vessels |
| Monel K-500 |
N05500 |
P-No. 42 |
Marine shafting — weld is undermatched in strength |
| Monel R-405 |
N04405 |
P-No. 42 |
Free-machining Monel valve components |
| 70-30 Cu-Ni |
C71500 |
P-No. 34 |
Marine condensers, seawater piping |
| 90-10 Cu-Ni |
C70600 |
P-No. 34 |
Offshore platform seawater systems |
| Nickel 200/201 |
N02200/N02201 |
P-No. 41 |
Dissimilar Ni-to-Ni-Cu joints |
| Carbon steel |
— |
P-No. 1 |
Overlay/cladding — ERNi-1 buffer layer mandatory |
| 300-series SS |
S30400/S31600 |
P-No. 8 |
Dissimilar Ni-Cu to stainless joints |
When overlaying carbon steel, you must first weld a layer of ERNi-1 (pure nickel). If you put ERNiCu-7 directly on steel, carbon moves into the weld and makes it brittle. The ERNi-1 layer blocks this, and ERNiCu-7 is welded on top.
Recommended SAW Welding Parameters for ERNiCu-7
The following table provides typical SAW welding parameters for ERNiCu-7 wire. This helps keep the arc stable and the weld quality consistent in different jobs.
| Electrode Diameter |
Current (Amperes) |
Voltage (Volts) |
Typical Position / Application |
| 2.4 mm |
220–320 A |
25–29 V |
Cladding/overlay (flat position) |
| 3.2 mm |
280–420 A |
27–31 V |
Butt joints (flat position) |
| 4.0 mm |
350–500 A |
28–34 V |
Heavy section welding (flat position) |
Because copper increases electrical resistance, ERNiCu-7 needs slightly lower amperage than Ni-Cr or Ni-Cr-Mo wires of the same size. Use stringer or narrow weave beads, and keep interpass temperature under 150°C to avoid hot cracking.
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Industries and Applications of ERNiCu-7 SAW Wire & Flux
ERNiCu-7 is used for joining and overlay of Monel 400 for protecting steel from acids, seawater, and alkalis.
Storage and Handling of ERNiCu-7 SAW Welding Flux
- Store flux in a sealed container in a dry area with humidity below 50%.
- After opening flux, use it within the recommended time or reseal it immediately.
- If flux has been exposed to moisture, rebake it according to the manufacturer’s instructions before using it again.
- Throw away any flux that is clumped, caked, or discoloured.
- Reuse unfused flux only after sieving it and mixing it with fresh flux.
- Keep the wire in its original vacuum-sealed packaging until it is needed.
- Store wire in a dry, clean place, away from dust, oil, and other contaminants.
- Check the ERNiCu-7 wire for any copper oxide tarnish before using it.
- Always handle wire with clean, dry gloves to avoid contamination.
ERNiCu-7 SAW Wire Sizes & Packaging
Below are the available sizes and packaging options for ERNiCu-7 SAW wire, including coils, drums, and matching fluxes.
| Form |
Diameters |
Packaging |
| SAW Wire (coil) |
2.0, 2.4, 3.2, 4.0 mm |
12.5 kg and 25 kg coils |
| SAW Wire (drum) |
2.4, 3.2, 4.0 mm |
100 kg and 250 kg drums |
| SAW Flux |
Per manufacturer grade |
As per the manufacturer’s packaging |
Each package has a lot-ID label and an EN 10204-3.1 test certificate confirming chemistry to AWS A5.14. All copper-bearing wires are shipped in vacuum-sealed, moisture-barrier packaging from Nicorex Alloys.
How to Order AWS Class ERNiCu-7 SAW & Flux from Nicorex Alloys
When ordering ERNiCu-7 nickel-copper SAW wire from Nicorex Alloys, specify the following in your RFQ:
Frequently Asked Questions