Ni-55 Nickel Cast Iron Stick Electrodes – ENiFe-CI, 1 lb Pack (Select Size From Options Above)

Nickel-Iron Stick electrodes for strong, machinable cast iron repairs.
Washington Alloy Ni-55 is an ENiFe-CI nickel-iron Stick electrode designed for all-position joining and surfacing of cast iron, malleable iron, and ductile iron. It can be used to join cast iron to itself or to compatible dissimilar metals including mild steel, stainless steel, wrought alloys, and high-nickel alloys.

With a core wire chemistry of approximately 55% nickel and 45% iron, Ni-55 produces weld deposits with lower weld shrinkage stress, helping reduce the possibility of cracking in the weld or heat-affected zone. The resulting weld deposit provides high strength, good ductility, and machinability for demanding cast iron repair applications.

Package Information: This product is sold in 1 lb packs. Select the electrode diameter required for your application from the options above.

Why Choose Ni-55?

• Designed for Cast Iron: Ideal for joining and surfacing cast iron, malleable iron, and ductile iron.
• Approximately 55% Nickel: Nickel-iron composition helps reduce weld shrinkage stress.
• Helps Reduce Cracking: Lower shrinkage stress reduces the possibility of weld and heat-affected zone cracking.
• High-Strength Weld Deposit: Produces strong, ductile weld metal for demanding repairs.
• Machinable Deposit: Finished weld deposits can be machined when required.
• Dissimilar-Metal Capability: Can be used for compatible joints between cast iron and mild steel, stainless steel, wrought alloys, or high-nickel alloys.
• All-Position Welding: Designed for welding in multiple positions with proper parameter adjustment.
• AC or DCEP: Can be operated using AC or DCEP (DC+).

Common Ni-55 Applications

Ni-55 is especially suited for repairing heavy cast sections and components where strength, crack resistance, and machinability are important.

• Motor blocks
• Cast iron housings
• Machine parts
• Cast frames
• Defective castings
• Cracked cast iron components
• Building up worn cast iron sections
• Cast iron to mild steel joints
• Cast iron to stainless steel joints
• General cast iron maintenance and repair

Available Sizes & Recommended Amperage

Note: Recommended amperage ranges are based on flat or downhand welding. Washington Alloy recommends reducing amperage approximately 5–15 amps for overhead welding and 10–20 amps for vertical welding.

Cast Iron Repair Performance

Cast iron can be difficult to weld because of its tendency to crack as the weld and surrounding base metal heat and cool. Ni-55 uses a nickel-iron composition designed to produce lower weld shrinkage stress, helping reduce the possibility of cracking in both the weld and heat-affected zone.

Washington Alloy also identifies Ni-55 as capable of producing high-strength, ductile weld deposits when welding lower-grade cast iron containing higher levels of phosphorus or other contaminants.

Machinable Weld Deposit

Ni-55 produces a machinable weld deposit, making it a useful choice when the repaired area needs to be drilled, tapped, milled, ground, or otherwise machined after welding.

The finished weld deposit color also approximates the appearance of cast iron.

Typical Weld Metal Chemistry

Typical Mechanical Properties

Choosing the Right Electrode Size

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ni-55 used for?
Ni-55 is primarily designed for joining, repairing, and surfacing cast iron, malleable iron, and ductile iron. It can also be used for compatible dissimilar-metal joints involving mild steel, stainless steel, wrought alloys, and high-nickel alloys.

What does ENiFe-CI mean?
ENiFe-CI is the AWS classification identifying this as a nickel-iron electrode for cast iron welding applications.

Is Ni-55 good for engine block repairs?
Washington Alloy specifically identifies motor blocks and other heavy cast sections as applications for Ni-55.

Can the finished weld be machined?
Yes. Ni-55 produces a machinable weld deposit, making it useful for repairs that require machining after welding.

Can I weld cast iron to steel with Ni-55?
Yes. Washington Alloy identifies Ni-55 for compatible dissimilar-metal welding involving cast iron and metals such as mild steel and stainless steel.

Can I use AC?
Yes. Washington Alloy lists typical Ni-55 welding procedures using AC or DCEP (DC+).

Can Ni-55 be used out of position?
Yes. It is designed for all-position welding. Washington Alloy recommends reducing amperage approximately 5–15 amps for overhead welding and 10–20 amps for vertical welding compared with the listed flat-position settings.

How is this product sold?
This Arc-Zone listing is sold as a 1 lb pack.