AWS A5.14 (wire) and A5.11 (electrode) · Nickel alloy wire, rod and stick electrode

Alloy 82 and 182 Consumables (ERNiCr-3 / ENiCrFe-3)

ERNiCr-3 and ENiCrFe-3 — commonly called Alloy 82 and Alloy 182 — are nickel-chromium-iron filler metals carrying nominally 20 % chromium with niobium and no molybdenum, used for welding Inconel 600 and related NiCrFe alloys, for 9 % nickel cryogenic steel, and above all for dissimilar joints between stainless and carbon steel that must operate above the 300 °C ceiling an austenitic consumable allows, with service in air to 1175 °C.

Alloy 82 / 182 — Inconel 600, 9 % Ni steel, dissimilar and high-temperature joints
Nickel alloy wire, rod and stick electrode
EN ISO 18274 S Ni 6082 / EN ISO 14172 E Ni 6182
4 ESAB grades

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Price on request. POFIS is an ESAB Authorized Distributor & Service Centre in Abu Dhabi — quotations include confirmed lead time and delivery terms.

The designation

What ERNiCr-3 / ENiCrFe-3 means

ER / E: ER is a bare wire or rod under AWS A5.14 — this is Alloy 82. E is a covered electrode under AWS A5.11 — this is Alloy 182. They are the matched pair: 82 for TIG roots and MIG fill, 182 for stick passes on the same joint.
Ni: Nickel-based. Nickel is what lets these consumables carry a dissimilar joint through high-temperature service without the carbon migration that degrades a high-chromium austenitic weld at the carbon steel interface.
Cr: Nominally 20 % chromium. Enough for strong oxidation resistance — ESAB rates Exaton Ni72HP for use in air to 1175 °C and in sulphur dioxide atmospheres to 800 °C.
Fe: Iron is a deliberate part of the composition in the ENiCrFe electrodes rather than a contaminant, which is what makes them tolerant of dilution from a steel parent — the property a dissimilar joint depends on.
No Mo: The defining absence. These alloys carry no molybdenum, so they have none of the chloride pitting resistance of Alloy 625 or C-276. They are chosen for temperature and for dissimilar-joint metallurgy, not for wet corrosion service.
-3 / -2: ERNiCr-3 is Alloy 82 and ENiCrFe-3 is Alloy 182, the standard pair. ENiCrFe-2 is a different electrode — EN ISO E Ni 6133, carrying niobium and molybdenum — supplied by ESAB as OK NiCrFe-2 for the same application family.

Reading the ERNiCr-3 / ENiCrFe-3 designation, left to right.

How it behaves

ERNiCr-3 / ENiCrFe-3 in practice

The answer when a dissimilar joint runs hot

An austenitic consumable in a stainless-to-carbon-steel joint is limited to 300 °C service, because above that chromium carbides precipitate at the grain boundaries and deplete the grains of chromium, costing both strength and corrosion resistance. Nickel-based consumables have no such ceiling, tolerate post-weld heat treatment, and resist the carbon migration that slowly weakens a hot stainless-to-carbon interface. Where the design temperature of a dissimilar joint exceeds 300 °C, this alloy family is the answer and E309L is not.

Buttering, and why the sequence matters

Where a dissimilar joint needs both a nickel filler and post-weld heat treatment, the standard design is a separate one: butter the fusion face of the low-alloy parent with the nickel alloy, carry out the tempering or stress relief on that component while it is still a single piece, then weld the joint between the buffer layer and the high-alloy side with nickel filler. The heat treatment the carbon steel requires would damage a finished austenitic joint, so it has to happen before the joint exists.

What these alloys actually join

ESAB lists the range for Exaton Ni72HP explicitly: NiCrFe alloys UNS N06600, N06601, N06690, N08810 and N08330; 9 % nickel steels at cryogenic temperature; stainless steels to carbon steels; high service temperature NiCu alloys to carbon steels; NiCu alloys to nickel alloys; and dissimilar joining of stainless steels to nickel alloys. That breadth is the point — this is the family that joins things that do not otherwise want to be joined.

Crack resistance is the selling point of 182

ESAB describes OK NiCrFe-3 as providing a very crack-resistant weld metal, and names heat-resisting steel castings of limited weldability among its applications. Castings, martensitic-to-austenitic transitions and heavily restrained dissimilar joints are all situations where the parent metal is working against the welder, and an electrode chosen for crack resistance rather than strength is the right trade. It welds in all positions including overhead.

Where this family is the wrong choice

No molybdenum means no meaningful chloride pitting or crevice resistance. For produced water, seawater, sour service or any wet chloride chemistry, Alloy 625 or C-276 is required and 82/182 would corrode. The reverse also holds: specifying 625 for a hot dissimilar joint where 82/182 would do adds cost for molybdenum the application never uses. Match the alloy to whether the problem is temperature or chemistry.

What POFIS supplies

ESAB ERNiCr-3 / ENiCrFe-3 grades

Every grade below carries the ERNiCr-3 / ENiCrFe-3 classification, which is why a WPS naming ERNiCr-3 / ENiCrFe-3 can be satisfied by any of them. They are not interchangeable in practice — the differences in current type, hydrogen level and impact toughness are what decide which one belongs on your job. Figures are the manufacturer's typical as-welded values.

**ERNiCr-3 / ENiCrFe-3 grades supplied by POFIS** — typical as-welded properties. Blank cells are values the manufacturer does not publish for that grade, not zeros.
Grade	Classification	Current	Yield	Tensile	Elong.	Impact (lowest published)
Exaton Ni72HP (GTAW) POFIS recommends	ERNiCr-3 (AWS A5.14) S Ni 6082 NiCr20Mn3Nb (EN ISO 18274)	—	480 MPa	720 MPa	40 %	150 J at −196 °C
Exaton Ni72HP (GMAW)	ERNiCr-3 (AWS A5.14) S Ni 6082 NiCr20Mn3Nb (EN ISO 18274)	—	420 MPa	660 MPa	35 %	—
OK NiCrFe-2	ENiCrFe-2 (AWS A5.11) E Ni 6133 NiCr16Fe12NbMo (EN ISO 14172)	DC+	420 MPa	660 MPa	45 %	90 J at −196 °C
OK NiCrFe-3	ENiCrFe-3 (AWS A5.11) E Ni 6182 NiCr15Fe6Mn (EN ISO 14172)	DC+	395 MPa	640 MPa	42 %	95 J at −196 °C

Exaton Ni72HP (GTAW) ERNiCr-3 (AWS A5.14)

The grade for dissimilar joints above 300 °C: rated for air to 1175 °C and sulphur dioxide to 800 °C, with 480 MPa yield and 230 J at room temperature. Also publishes elevated-temperature properties — 400 MPa yield at 350 °C.

Alloy type: Alloyed nickel — 20 % Cr, 3 % Mn, 2.5 % Nb
Type: TIG rod (GTAW), shielding I1 / I3
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 5-43

Exaton Ni72HP (GMAW) ERNiCr-3 (AWS A5.14)

The MIG form of the same alloy, 0.8 mm to 1.6 mm. ESAB lists its range explicitly: UNS N06600, N06601, N06690, N08810, N08330, 9 % Ni cryogenic steel, stainless to carbon steel, and NiCu alloys to carbon steel.

Diameters: 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.6 mm
Alloy type: Alloyed nickel — 20 % Cr, 3 % Mn, 2.5 % Nb
Type: Solid MIG wire (GMAW), shielding I1 / I3
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 5-35

OK NiCrFe-2 ENiCrFe-2 (AWS A5.11)

The stronger covered electrode of the two, at 420 MPa yield and 660 MPa tensile, carrying niobium and molybdenum. Good weldability in all positions including overhead. For Inconel 600, 9 % and 5 % Ni cryogenic steels, martensitic-to-austenitic and dissimilar joints.

Diameters: 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.0 mm
Alloy type: Nickel alloy
Type: Covered stick electrode (SMAW)
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 5-9

OK NiCrFe-3 ENiCrFe-3 (AWS A5.11)

The Alloy 182 electrode, and the one ESAB describes as providing a very crack-resistant weld metal. The choice for heat-resisting steel castings of limited weldability and heavily restrained dissimilar joints. The widest diameter range of the electrodes at 2.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

Diameters: 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.0 mm, 5.0 mm
Alloy type: Ni-based Cr-alloy
Type: Covered stick electrode (SMAW)
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 5-10

Diameters are listed from the manufacturer's deposition data. Ordering part numbers and pack sizes are confirmed with your quotation — send the grade and diameters you need to weldiv@pofis.ae.

Specifying

Which ERNiCr-3 / ENiCrFe-3 grade to specify

For dissimilar joints above 300 °C

Exaton Ni72HP is the grade to quote, available for both MIG and TIG. ESAB rates it for use in air to 1175 °C and in sulphur dioxide atmospheres to 800 °C, and names stainless-to-carbon-steel joints among its applications. The TIG form gives 480 MPa yield and 230 J at room temperature; the MIG form 420 MPa and 660 MPa tensile in 0.8 mm to 1.6 mm.

For stick welding the same joints

OK NiCrFe-3 is the Alloy 182 covered electrode, DC+ only, 2.5 mm to 5.0 mm, giving 395 MPa yield, 640 MPa tensile and 95 J at −196 °C, with weld metal ESAB describes as very crack resistant. It is the electrode for Inconel 600, cryogenic steels, martensitic-to-austenitic transitions, dissimilar steels and heat-resisting castings of limited weldability.

Where more strength is wanted from the electrode

OK NiCrFe-2 is the alternative covered electrode, classified E Ni 6133 and carrying niobium and molybdenum. It gives higher figures than 182 at 420 MPa yield and 660 MPa tensile with the same 110 J at room temperature, in 2.5 mm to 4.0 mm, and welds in all positions including overhead. ESAB names Inconel 600, 9 % and 5 % nickel cryogenic steels, martensitic-to-austenitic joints and dissimilar steels.

For cryogenic work

All three grades hold useful toughness at −196 °C — 90 to 95 J for the electrodes and 150 J for Exaton Ni72HP in TIG form — and 9 % nickel steel is a named parent material throughout. For LNG and cryogenic duty the choice between this family and Alloy 625 generally comes down to whether the joint is dissimilar or matching, and to the project specification.

If there is chloride in the service

Stop and reconsider. These alloys carry no molybdenum and will not resist pitting or crevice corrosion in chloride-bearing fluid. Alloy 625 (ERNiCrMo-3) or C-276 (ERNiCrMo-4) is the correct family for wet corrosion duty. Send POFIS the service chemistry as well as the temperature and we will confirm which family the application actually needs.

Storage & handling

Storing and handling ERNiCr-3 / ENiCrFe-3 consumables

Contamination control

Sulphur, lead, phosphorus and zinc embrittle nickel weld metal, and the usual sources are marker pens, cutting fluid, grease, paint and galvanised fixtures. Degrease the joint and a margin either side, handle consumables with gloves, and keep galvanised clamps off the work. The resulting cracking looks inexplicable until the contamination is traced.

Electrode storage

ESAB lists OK NiCrFe-3 in the 200 °C re-drying group and OK NiCrFe-2 at 250 °C — two hours in both cases. Note that they differ, which is a reason to read the label rather than apply one figure across the nickel range. High-alloy and nickel electrodes of 4.0 mm and above are supplied in half-package VacPac.

Frequently asked

ERNiCr-3 / ENiCrFe-3 — common questions

What is ERNiCr-3 used for?

ERNiCr-3 — Alloy 82 — is used for welding Inconel 600 and related NiCrFe alloys, for 9 % nickel cryogenic steel, and for dissimilar joints between stainless and carbon steel that operate above 300 °C. ESAB rates its Exaton Ni72HP grade for use in air to 1175 °C and in sulphur dioxide atmospheres to 800 °C.

What is the difference between Alloy 82 and Alloy 182?

Form, principally. Alloy 82 is the bare wire or rod, classified ERNiCr-3 under AWS A5.14, used for TIG roots and MIG fill. Alloy 182 is the covered electrode, classified ENiCrFe-3 under A5.11, used for stick passes. They are the matched pair for the same joints, and it is common to see both on one procedure.

Why use a nickel filler instead of 309L on a dissimilar joint?

Service temperature. An austenitic consumable such as E309L is limited to 300 °C in a heterogeneous joint, because above that chromium carbides precipitate at the grain boundaries and deplete the grains of chromium. Nickel-based consumables have no such ceiling, tolerate post-weld heat treatment, and resist the carbon migration that weakens a hot stainless-to-carbon interface over time.

Can Alloy 82 or 182 be used in seawater or sour service?

No. These alloys carry no molybdenum, so they have none of the chloride pitting and crevice resistance that wet corrosive service requires. Alloy 625 (ERNiCrMo-3) or C-276 (ERNiCrMo-4) is the correct family there. Choose 82 and 182 when the problem is temperature and dissimilar-joint metallurgy, not when it is chemistry.

What filler is used for 9 % nickel steel?

Both this family and Alloy 625 are used, and all of these grades hold useful toughness at −196 °C — 90 to 95 J for the covered electrodes and 150 J for Exaton Ni72HP in TIG form. The choice usually comes down to whether the joint is dissimilar or matching, and to what the project specification names.

What electrode welds Inconel 600?

ENiCrFe-3, supplied by ESAB as OK NiCrFe-3, is the standard covered electrode for Inconel 600 and similar alloys. OK NiCrFe-2 is the alternative, classified E Ni 6133, giving higher strength at 420 MPa yield against 395 MPa and welding in all positions including overhead.

Do Alloy 82 and 182 consumables need special storage?

The covered electrodes do. ESAB lists OK NiCrFe-3 in the 200 °C re-drying group and OK NiCrFe-2 at 250 °C, both for two hours — note that they differ, which is why the package label governs rather than a single figure applied across the nickel range. High-alloy and nickel electrodes of 4.0 mm and above are supplied in half-package VacPac.

Who supplies Alloy 82 and 182 welding consumables in Abu Dhabi?

POFIS supplies the ESAB OK and Exaton nickel ranges from Abu Dhabi across the UAE and the wider GCC, as an ESAB Authorized Distributor and Service Centre, approved ADNOC vendor and ISO 9001 certified supplier. Send both parent materials, the design temperature and any post-weld heat treatment requirement and we will confirm the consumable family before quoting. Email weldiv@pofis.ae.

Procurement & supply

Buying the ERNiCr-3 / ENiCrFe-3 consumables through POFIS

The ERNiCr-3 / ENiCrFe-3 consumables is supplied from Abu Dhabi by Perfect Oilfield & Industrial Supply LLC as an ESAB Authorized Distributor and Service Centre. The information below covers what procurement and QA/QC departments normally need before raising a purchase order.

Lead time

Stock items dispatch from Abu Dhabi within 24–48 hours. Indent items are quoted with a confirmed lead time at the time of offer.

Approved vendor status

POFIS is an approved ADNOC vendor and is listed on the approved vendor lists (AVL) of major operators and EPC contractors across the GCC. We can complete supplier registration and prequalification documentation on request.

Payment terms

Standard credit terms are available to registered corporate accounts. LPO, LC and advance payment are all accepted.

Delivery terms

Delivery across the UAE and the wider GCC. Quotations can be issued on EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP terms to suit your project.

Warranty

Full manufacturer warranty, honoured locally. As an ESAB Authorized Service Centre we carry out warranty work and repairs in Abu Dhabi rather than returning equipment abroad.

Service & spares

In-UAE service, commissioning, operator training and spare parts backing for every machine we supply.

ISO 9001 Certified
Approved ADNOC Vendor
ESAB Authorized Distributor & Service Centre

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