Union S 3 is a submerged arc (SAW) wire for mild steel. It is used in steel construction, on tanks, pipework and series production.
The wire works as a set with a matched flux, which decides the mechanical properties of the weld. The copper coated surface improves current pick-up in the contact tip and smooth feeding.
- Classification EN ISO: 14171-A S3
- AWS classification: A5.17 / SFA-5.17 EH10
- Shielding: flux matched to the wire, no shielding gas
- Diameters: 3.0 / 4.0 / 5.0 mm
Match the voltage to the wire feed speed, too low a setting gives a convex bead and no fusion into the edges. Match the flux to this wire and check how dry it is, drying the flux decides the hydrogen level in the weld. Keep an even flux layer over the arc, too thin a layer exposes the arc and too thick a one spoils the bead shape. Thinner diameters suit root runs and thin sheet, thicker ones suit filling.
