Five Reasons to Choose TIG Wire with Laser Ink Printing Identification

Based on experience, CWI chose laser ink printing identification for our TIG wire for Welding Generation4, bypassing the options of flagging, stamping (or coining), and chemical etching. We then took on the challenge of creating our own laser ink printing machine after determining that our machinists, engineers, and welders could design and build a precision piece of equipment for less than the company could buy one of equal quality. Central Wire Industries is not the only benefactor; laser ink printing offers several advantages to the TIG/GTAW buyers.

Here are five reasons to choose TIG filler rods with laser ink printed identification.

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1. Your wire is unaltered by the printing ID process

Stamping minutely alters the shape of the wire, flattening it slightly on the end. Meticulous welders cut off the stamped ends. That’s money on the floor. An entire Gen4 TIG rod, from tip to tip, can be used by those demanding welders because of the printed ID. And the welders can rest assured we’ve tested the ink, and it will not cause unexpected chemical reactions.

2. Printing allows the producer to meet customers’ customization needs without adding significant time and cost

Laser printing is programmed. Not only can you change it in an instant, but you can also add to it. The customers may have a need to have more than the required information on their wire; they may want the purchase order or lot ID number. Some may even want to have their company name on it. Printing makes that both possible and easy—because size and space are less of an issue, and it’s a few keystrokes to make the addition.

3. Positive ID is apparent for the entire length of TIG rod

You can print the identification on a stick every few inches. Putting a flag or stamp multiple times would be cost-prohibitive and annoying for welders. Besides, flags can fall off even before they’re pulled off. Each Gen 4 TIG ID is repeated four times on the 36-inch rod, or less if specially requested. Welders can identify their material throughout the entire weld, not just the beginning. This will obviously lead to fewer errors. Generation4 TIG is used in many critical weld applications; traceability is paramount.|

4. This is a low-cost method of adding the information required by AWS specifications

The AWS specifications regarding GTAW (individual bare filler metal rods) primarily asks that each individual filler rod or electrode be identified. Imprinting ID includes diameter, alloy, and heat number all at a lower production cost. We meet the requirements in the most cost-effective manner.

5. Customers get super clean wire—at least from CWI

Our laser imprinting process demands very clean wire so that the ink dries quickly and affixes permanently. To accomplish this, shop dirt, lubricants, and soaps are stripped from the wire, and it’s immediately packaged after printing. By default, the wire you receive is clean. Clean wire nets the highest quality welds.

For more information about our Gen4 welding wire consumables, visit the welding wire page on our website, or contact us today.