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 tagging, stamping (or coining), and chemical etching. We then took on the challenge of creating a 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.

1. TIG Wire, Unaltered by the Printing ID Process

Stamping and chemical etching can wear down the end of the rod, making it difficult to insert into the TIG torch. These identification methods, including tagging, can leave behind residue and contaminants, leading welders to cut off the ends. That’s money on the floor. An entire Gen⁴ TIG rod, from tip to tip, can be used because of the printed ID. Welders can rest assured the ink is well-tested and will not cause chemical reactions.

2. Printing Allows the Producer to Meet Customers’ Customization Needs 

Laser printing is programmed. Not only can you change it in an instant, but you can also add to it. Customers may need more than the required information on their wire, such as the purchase order or lot ID number. Some may even want to have their company name on it. Printing makes that 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 for the Entire Length of a TIG Rod

We can print the identification on a stick every few inches. Putting a tag or stamp multiple times would be cost-prohibitive and annoying for welders. Besides, tags tend to fall off, making it difficult to ID your welding wire. 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 complete weld, not just the beginning, leading to fewer errors. Generation⁴ TIG wire is in many critical welding applications, making traceability paramount.

4. Low-cost Method of Adding Information Required by AWS Specifications

The AWS specifications regarding GTAW (individual bare filler metal rods) state each filler rod or electrode is to be identified, providing information about the usability, materials, and performance. ID includes diameter, alloy, and heat number all at a lower production cost. CWI can meet these requirements in the most cost-effective manner through the printing ID process.

5. Customers Get Super Clean Wire From CWI

Our laser imprinting process demands very clean wire so the ink can dry quickly and be affixed permanently. To accomplish this, shop dirt, lubricants, and soaps are stripped from the wire, and then the wire is 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.