Inconel 718 Filler Wire: Properties, Welding Guide, Applications and Selection Tips

Inconel 718 filler wire (AWS A5.14 ERNiFeCr-2) is one of the most widely used nickel-based welding consumables for high-temperature and corrosion-resistant applications. It is commonly used for welding Inconel 718 components in aerospace engines, power generation equipment, offshore systems, and oil & gas processing facilities.

Compared with many precipitation-hardened nickel alloys, Inconel 718 offers an excellent combination of weldability, mechanical strength, and resistance to post-weld cracking. These advantages make it a preferred choice for fabricators, maintenance contractors, and OEM manufacturers working in demanding service environments.

This guide covers the composition, mechanical properties, welding procedures, heat treatment requirements, and practical selection considerations for Inconel 718 filler wire.

The combination of γ′ and γ″ precipitates is responsible for the alloy’s outstanding strength at elevated temperatures up to approximately 700°C.

When properly welded and heat treated, Inconel 718 filler metal exhibits excellent mechanical performance.

The alloy also performs well under cryogenic conditions, making it suitable for aerospace and rocket engine applications.

1. Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG / GTAW)

TIG welding is the most widely used process due to its precision and control.

Typical parameters:

Key points:

• No preheating required for most applications
• Maintain interpass temperature below 150–200°C
• Use high-purity argon shielding gas
• Root protection recommended for tube welding

2. Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG / GMAW)

MIG welding is used for higher deposition rate applications.

Typical parameters:

Important considerations:

• Avoid excessive heat input to prevent micro-fissuring
• Maintain stable arc and wire feed consistency
• Control interpass temperature carefully

Inconel 718 requires heat treatment to achieve full mechanical properties.

Standard cycle:

1. Solution treatment: ~980°C
2. Primary aging: ~720°C
3. Secondary aging: ~620°C

NACE / Sour Service Heat Treatment

For oil & gas applications:

• Modified annealing at higher temperature
• Controlled aging cycle to improve hydrogen resistance

When choosing Inconel 718 filler wire, engineers and procurement teams should consider more than just chemical composition.

1. Welding Process

• TIG welding → solid straight lengths (1.6–3.2 mm)
• MIG welding → spool wire (0.8–1.2 mm)

2. Application Environment

• Aerospace / turbines → high strength requirement
• Oil & gas (sour service) → NACE compliant materials required
• Chemical processing → corrosion resistance priority

3. Material Compatibility

In some cases, alternative fillers such as ERNiCrMo-3 (Inconel 625) may be considered depending on corrosion vs strength requirements.

4. Certification Requirements

Common requirements include:

• AWS A5.14 ERNiFeCr-2
• EN / ISO standards
• Mill Test Certificate (MTC)

Based on export experience, Inconel 718 filler wire is most commonly used in aerospace manufacturing, power generation maintenance, offshore engineering, and oil & gas applications.

The most frequently requested specifications are:

• TIG wire: 2.4 mm and 3.2 mm
• MIG wire: 1.0 mm and 1.2 mm

In international projects, buyers typically require full traceability and certification compliance due to the critical nature of service conditions.

Ronsco supports global customers with consistent quality control and documentation to meet industrial welding standards.

📧 You can request a quote by email support@ronsteel.com with your required specification, size and quantity.

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose Inconel 718 when high strength and temperature resistance are critical.
• Choose Inconel 625 when corrosion resistance is the primary requirement.

Is Inconel 718 filler wire the same as ERNiFeCr-2?

Yes. ERNiFeCr-2 is the AWS classification for Inconel 718 welding wire.

Can Inconel 718 filler wire be used for TIG and MIG welding?

Yes, it is widely used in both processes.

What shielding gas is recommended?

100% Argon is standard for both TIG and MIG welding.

What is the maximum service temperature?

Up to approximately 700°C under proper conditions.

Can it be used for dissimilar metal welding?

Yes, but filler selection must be evaluated based on base metals and service conditions.

What industries use Inconel 718 filler wire?

Aerospace, oil & gas, nuclear power, and chemical processing industries.

Ronsco is a trusted global supplier of nickel alloy and stainless steel welding wires, including Inconel, Hastelloy, and Monel series. Our products are manufactured to meet industry standards and are widely used in demanding applications such as aerospace, oil & gas, chemical processing, and power generation. Explore our resource center for the latest industry insights, product knowledge, and technical references.

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