ESAB publishes list of Rebel-compatible filler metals

No fewer than four MIG wires (including two for stainless steel), two flux-cored wires and three MMA welding electrodes (one for stainless steel) are included on the list. In addition, customers can use their own choice of filler metal when TIG welding with the Rebel. A new web page has been added to the Rebel section of the ESAB website so customers can see at a glance which filler metals should be with the Rebel. For each filler metal, a link is provided for access to more detailed product information. A further user-friendly feature of the new web page is that customers can click on a "where to buy' button to find their nearest distributor.

Rebel's sMIG function produces a remarkably smooth arc so, to complement this, ESAB recommends its smooth-feeding OK AristoRod 12.50 non-copper-coated wire with advanced surface characteristics. In addition to benefiting from exceptionally smooth feeding, this wire also promotes longer torch life, reduces spatter, ensures excellent arc ignition and emits low levels of fumes.

ESAB's OK Autrod 12.51 is a copper-coated wire that provides a more fluid puddle and smoother bed profile. A superior finish on the wire reduces copper flaking compared to lower-quality wires.

For fabricating austenitic stainless steel, ESAB recommends using the Rebel's inductance function and running OK Autrod 308LSi to further enhance wetting, reduce weld crown and improve tie-in. Low carbon reduce the risk of intergranular corrosion and higher silicon improve the welding properties. For applications where enhanced corrosion resistance is required, the Rebel can be paired with higher alloyed ESAB filler metals such as OK Autrod 316LSi.

When galvanised and thin sheet steel (0.8-5.0mm) are being fabricated, ESAB's Coreshield 15 flux-cored wire is suitable for all-positional, single-pass welding. In addition to producing a smooth arc, Coreshield 15 also ensures full slag coverage, easy slag removal and low spatter. Light rust and mill scale are tolerated and this wire needs no shielding gas - which is a further benefit where portability is important.

For mild- and medium-tensile structural steel applications, ESAB's Rebel provides great results when using spray transfer mode with OK Tubrod 15.14 (E71T-1) flux-cored wire and either Argon/CO2 or 100 per cent CO2. OK Tubrod 15.14 is an all-position, that is universally approved to grade 3 by all major authorities.

When it comes to MMA ("stick') welding, the Rebel offer outstanding welding performance considering its portability and operation from a single-phase supply. To make the most of this capability, ESAB recommends OK 48.00. This next-generation E7018-H4R formulation has been engineered to decrease moisture pick-up in high-humidity conditions, that helps prevent hydrogen cracking and non-porous welds to be produced even in demanding environmental conditions.

ESAB believes its OK 46.00 is the best all-round rutile electrode on the market, and this filler metal works very well with the Rebel. OK 46.00 is an E6013 electrode that is relatively insensitive to rust or other surface impurities, producing smooth weld beads in all positions, including vertical down, and with DC+ for Rebel. Easy to strike, restrike and remove slag, this electrode is excellent for short welds, root runs and tacking.

Where the need is for welding 19 per cent Cr-10 per cent Ni type steels, or stabilised stainless steels of similar composition, ESAB's OK 61.30 (E308L-17) features extra-low carbon content (0.03 per cent) to reduce the risk of intergranular corrosion. This electrode can be used with AC or DC+ welding current, and the slag is virtually self-cleaning.

For more information from ESAB Group about Rebel-compatible filler metals, go to www.esab.co.uk.