TOKO ENiFe-CI Nickel-Iron Cast Iron Welding Electrode
A nickel-iron alloy electrode specifically formulated for welding all types of cast iron where higher strength and better color match are required. It produces a machinable weld deposit with excellent crack resistance and thermal expansion properties similar to cast iron. Ideal for repair of high-stress components and heavy sections.
Key Advantages
- AWS A5.15 ENiFe-CI compliant — Certified nickel-iron composition for reliable performance.
- Higher tensile strength — 480-550 MPa vs. 380-450 MPa for pure nickel, ideal for load-bearing repairs.
- Machinable welds — Soft deposit allows drilling, tapping, and finishing after welding.
- Better color match — Weld color closely resembles gray cast iron, improving aesthetics.
- Thermal expansion match — Similar to cast iron, minimizing stress and cracking.
- Excellent crack resistance — Nickel-iron ductility absorbs stresses during cooling.
- Available diameters: 2.5mm, 3.2mm, 4.0mm.
Performance Benefits for High-Strength Cast Iron Repair
- Higher strength than ENi-CI: Iron content increases tensile strength, suitable for thicker sections and higher loads.
- Color matching: After machining, deposit color blends well with gray cast iron.
- Peening recommended: Light peening each bead relieves stresses, enhances crack resistance.
- Slag removal: Easy-detaching slag, minimal post-weld cleaning.
- All-position capability: Flat, horizontal, and vertical-up (diameter ≤3.2mm).
- Preheat flexibility: 150-315°C depending on size/complexity; slow cooling in insulating medium.
Packaging: 1kg (2.2lb) moisture-proof cartons, 5kg (11lb) bulk packs, 12.5kg (27.5lb) master cartons.
Primary Industrial Applications
Proven in heavy equipment repair, automotive workshops, foundries, and industrial maintenance.
Heavy Equipment Repair
Construction machinery frames, gearbox housings, hydraulic pump bodies – high-strength repairs that withstand operational stress.
Automotive & Engine
Engine blocks, cylinder heads, transmission housings, exhaust manifolds – machinable repairs of cracks and broken lugs.
Industrial Machinery
Machine tool bases, press frames, pump housings, valve bodies – restoration of mating surfaces and structural integrity.
Foundry & Casting Repair
Repair of casting defects (blowholes, cracks) in new and in-service castings, nodular iron components.
Additional Applications
- Heavy-duty pump and compressor casings
- Large gear and pulley repair
- Agricultural equipment frames
- Ship engine components
- Dies and patterns
- Welding cast iron to steel (buttering technique)
- Repair of mismachined parts
- Alloyed cast iron components
Technical Specifications (Typical)
Chemical Composition (weld metal, wt.%, AWS A5.15 ENiFe-CI)
| Element | Min | Max | Typical (TOKO) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | 45.0 | 60.0 | 52.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | — | 42.0 |
| Carbon (C) | — | 1.0 | 0.7 |
| Manganese (Mn) | — | 1.5 | 0.8 |
| Silicon (Si) | — | 0.75 | 0.4 |
| Sulfur (S) | — | 0.03 | 0.01 |
Mechanical Properties (all-weld metal)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 480–550 (typical) |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ~360 |
| Elongation (%) | 10–20 |
| Hardness (HB) | 150–220 (machinable) |
| Thermal Expansion Coeff. | Similar to gray iron, minimizing stress |
Recommended Welding Parameters (DC- or AC)
| Diameter (mm) | Current (A) DC- / AC | Preheat (°C) | Interpass °C |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mm | 60–90 | 150–260 | ≤260 |
| 3.2 mm | 80–120 | 200–315 | ≤315 |
| 4.0 mm | 110–160 | 200–315 | ≤315 |
* Use short arc, stringer beads or narrow weave. Peen each bead lightly. Cool slowly in dry sand or insulating blanket.
Certifications, Safety & Storage
- Classification: AWS A5.15 ENiFe-CI / ISO 1071 E C NiFe; manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 quality system.
- Safety: Use adequate ventilation – nickel and iron fumes may be hazardous. Wear appropriate PPE (welding helmet, gloves, protective clothing).
- Storage: Keep electrodes in original sealed packaging. If exposed to moist air for >4h, redry at 250°C for 1 hour.
Batch-specific MTCs traceable to EN 10204 3.1. Contact TOKO for welding procedure recommendations.
Why Choose TOKO ENiFe-CI for High-Strength Cast Iron Welding?
- 🔬 Optimized nickel-iron ratio — balances strength, ductility, and machinability for demanding repairs.
- ⚡ Smooth arc stability — easy to control, especially on thin sections and edges.
- 🧪 Field-proven — trusted by maintenance teams in mining, automotive, and heavy industry for over two decades.
- 📦 Global availability — local stock in key industrial regions ensures rapid delivery.
- 🏅 AWS certified — meets stringent international standards for composition and performance.
ENiFe-CI vs. ENi-CI: Quick Comparison
| Property | TOKO ENiFe-CI (Nickel-Iron) | TOKO ENi-CI (Pure Nickel) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 480-550 | 380-450 |
| Elongation (%) | 10-20 | 10-15 |
| Hardness (HB) | 150-220 | 130-170 |
| Color Match (Gray Iron) | Excellent (closer match) | Good (slightly brighter) |
| Cost Efficiency | More economical (iron content) | Higher nickel cost |
| Primary Application | High-strength, heavy sections | General repair, thin sections |