Welding Wire ESAB OK 46.16 D3.2 5 kg spool, flux-cored, 3.2 mm

ESAB OK 46.16 D3.2 is a flux-cored welding wire supplied on a 5 kg spool with a 3.2 mm diameter, formulated for gasless (self-shielded) welding. It is intended for deposition of filler metal on mild and low-alloy steels in both single-pass and multi-pass applications. The wire offers a practical, ready-to-use solution for on-site fabrication, repair and maintenance where external shielding gas is impractical or unavailable.

Advantages

The flux-cored construction eliminates the need for external shielding gas, simplifying setup and enabling welding in drafty or outdoor environments. The 3.2 mm diameter balances deposition rate and control, making the wire suitable for medium-thickness work. Supplied on a 5 kg spool, the product supports extended welding sessions without frequent spool changes and is compatible with standard MIG/flux-cored welding equipment designed for self-shielded wires.

Suitable for

• On-site structural steel repair and fabrication
• Maintenance welding of machinery and equipment
• Construction tasks requiring portable, gasless welding
• Welding of mild steels and low-alloy steels in single- and multi-pass joints

Key specifications

• Wire type: flux-cored, self-shielded
• Diameter: 3.2 mm
• Packaging: 5 kg spool
• Application: gasless welding on mild and low-alloy steels
• Suitable processes: self-shielded flux-cored arc welding (FCAW-S) using compatible equipment

How to use

Select a welding machine and wire feeder compatible with flux-cored, self-shielded wire and with a drive system rated for 3.2 mm wire. Install the 5 kg spool according to the equipment manual, threading the wire through the feeder, liner and contact tip designed for 3.2 mm. Set welding parameters (voltage, current, wire feed speed and polarity) based on workpiece thickness and joint type; consult the manufacturer's welding parameter guides or perform test welds to fine-tune settings. Clean base metal of rust, scale and contaminants before welding. Maintain appropriate travel speed and electrode extension to ensure correct penetration and slag formation; chip or remove slag between passes when performing multi-pass welds.

Usage recommendations

Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including welding helmet, gloves and protective clothing. Store the spool in a dry environment to prevent moisture pickup in the flux core. For best results on critical joints, perform test welds to verify mechanical properties and adjust parameters as needed.