## Common ground
All options refer to wire rods used as raw material in the manufacture of welding rods, differing only in their base metal composition.
## Options at a glance
**7213 – iron or non-alloy steel**
- **Defining trait:** Made from plain carbon steel without significant alloying elements.
- **Typical examples:** Mild steel wire rods for general-purpose welding.
- **Best fit when:** The welding rod requires low cost and basic strength, not corrosion resistance.
**7213,7214,7221.00,7222,7227,7228 – iron or steel**
- **Defining trait:** Broad category covering all iron-based steels, including carbon and alloy types.
- **Typical examples:** General-purpose wire rods used in various welding applications.
- **Best fit when:** The exact steel type is unknown or unspecified; includes most common base materials.
**7221.00 – stainless steel**
- **Defining trait:** Contains chromium and often nickel, offering corrosion resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Welding rods for stainless steel joints (e.g., 308L).
- **Best fit when:** The final welding rod is intended for use in corrosive environments or on stainless steel.
**7228 – other alloy steel**
- **Defining trait:** Made from steels with specific alloying elements (e.g., chromium, molybdenum) beyond stainless types.
- **Typical examples:** High-strength or heat-resistant welding rods for structural or industrial use.
- **Best fit when:** The rod is designed for high strength, wear resistance, or elevated temperature performance.
**7403,7407 – copper**
- **Defining trait:** Made from copper, used for conductive or non-magnetic applications.
- **Typical examples:** Copper wire rods for brazing or specialized welding (e.g., in electronics).
- **Best fit when:** The welding rod is for electrical conductivity or non-ferrous metal joining.
**7505.1X – nickel**
- **Defining trait:** Contains high nickel content, used for corrosion and heat resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Nickel-based welding rods for chemical or aerospace applications.
- **Best fit when:** The rod must resist extreme temperatures or corrosive chemicals.
**7601 – aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Made from aluminum, lightweight and non-magnetic.
- **Typical examples:** Aluminum wire rods for welding aluminum alloys (e.g., 5356).
- **Best fit when:** The final product is used in aluminum fabrication or aerospace.
**8101.99 – tungsten**
- **Defining trait:** Made from tungsten, extremely high melting point; used in non-consumable electrodes.
- **Typical examples:** Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding electrodes.
- **Best fit when:** The rod is for non-consumable electrode use, not a consumable filler.
## Key differences
| HS Code | Material Type | Key Property | Primary Use Case |
|--------|---------------------|------------------------|--------------------------------|
| 7213 | Non-alloy steel | Low cost, basic strength | General welding |
| 7213–7228 (broad) | Iron/steel | Varies | Uncertain or mixed applications |
| 7221.00| Stainless steel | Corrosion resistance | Stainless steel joints |
| 7228 | Other alloy steel | High strength, heat res.| Structural, industrial use |
| 7403/7407| Copper | High conductivity | Electrical or non-ferrous welding |
| 7505.1X| Nickel | Heat/corrosion resistance | Harsh environments |
| 7601 | Aluminium | Lightweight, non-magnetic | Aluminum fabrication |
| 8101.99| Tungsten | Extreme melting point | Non-consumable electrodes |
## How to choose
- Is the wire made of plain carbon steel? → 7213
- Is it stainless or for corrosion resistance? → 7221.00
- Is it alloyed with chromium, molybdenum, etc.? → 7228
- Is it copper, aluminum, nickel, or tungsten? → Match material accordingly
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- Option 7213,7214,…,7228 is overly broad and overlaps with all other steel options. Use only if no specific alloy type is known.
- Tungsten (8101.99) is not a consumable filler but used in non-consumable electrodes—misclassification likely if intended for filler material.
- No priority rule given; choose based on the **main function** of the welding rod: consumable filler vs. electrode