Above: NS ARC is the welding wire brand of National Standard.
May 2025- As demand grows for domestically sourced products, especially in government and defense contracts, the origin of manufacturing has become a key factor in supplier selection. NS ARC meets this need as the only U.S. manufacturer offering fully Americanmade 11-lb. welding wire spools, according to Christopher Pruett, product manager at NS ARC the welding wire brand of National Standard, based in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
For example, there can be stringent requirements that U.S.-sourced products are used when fulfilling a federal supply contract. In addition, some American manufacturers promote their products as made in the U.S. and it is important for them to use as many other domestically sourced materials as they can when producing their finished products, Pruett notes.
One such manufacturer is Yoder Smokers, a producer of U.S.-made products. “NS ARC worked closely with Yoder Smokers, a Hutchinson, Kansas-based manufacturer of premium handmade grills and smokers,” Pruett says. “We tailored a welding wire solution and bead profile uniquely suited to highlight their authentic craftsmanship.”
NS ARC seeks to drive the welding industry forward with innovation, facility capabilities and product testing.
For those types of customers, as well as other manufacturers that seek high-quality welding wire in a small package, he says NS ARC’s 11-lb. spools are available as flux-cored and solid welding wire, using green rod and strip sourced in the U.S. “The flux-cored and solid wire is manufactured here in Stillwater. Most smaller packaging options are manufactured overseas.”
Both types are exclusively for MIG (metal inert gas) welding applications. The 11-lb. spools provide portability, improved feedability and ease of use, Pruett notes, which allows new welders to experience less frustration while learning their trade.
TARGETING SUITCASE WELDERS
Pruett says NS ARC wire is designed to work with a broad range of MIG welding equipment, and that the 11-lb. spool is ideal for use with portable suitcase welders, which can have dimensions of about 15 in. by 10 in. by 20 in.
The compactness and portability of the welder and wire spool is beneficial when the welding package is carried to a high elevation or where welders work in confi ned spaces. NS ARC’s 11-lb. spools serve diverse industries, including high-rise construction, ship building, automotive body welding, railcar fabrication, agriculture, general fabrication, pipe welding and trailer manufacturing.
Pruett explains that customers can select copper-coated wire for enhanced conductivity and corrosion resistance or copper-free wire for reduced fumes and higher weld quality in demanding applications. The wire on the 11-lb. spools is available in diameters of 0.030, 0.035 and 0.045 in., Pruett says, adding that larger diameter wire can be ordered.
Once a customer decides the type and size of wire for a welding application, he adds that NS ARC quickly delivers it. “We average two to four days on lead time on almost our entire product line.” The company’s goal for the 11-lb. spool offerings is to have a typical lead time of two days.
Pruett says the company offers an order sample page on its website to help customers determine exactly what they need. “Our sales and customer service representatives are ready to help and will ensure that we get our customers the right product for the right application.”
NS ARC provides comprehensive customer support through its distribution network and internal technical experts, he says. “Our Welding Innovation Center replicates customer specific setups to ensure optimal performance.” The company also offers its on-site ARC Assessment service to thoroughly evaluate a welding facility and highlight areas that require improvement to maintain optimal productivity levels.
WIRE SPECIALISTS
Whether the welding wire comes in 11-lb. spools or a 1,500-lb. Tru-Trac reel, Pruett says NS ARC’s primary selling point is that the company solely specializes in the development and manufacturing of welding wire. “Unlike suppliers with varied product offerings, NS ARC specializes exclusively in welding wire, ensuring unmatched expertise, dedicated solutions and consistent quality.”
In addition, the company reports that its wide range of welding wire solutions are designed to streamline and improve the production, maintenance and repair of products and components across several applications.
“With our industry expertise and devotion to welding wire, we can provide you with dedicated solutions designed to complete various welding jobs correctly the first time.”
According to NS ARC, the company is committed to driving the welding industry forward with industry expertise and innovation, excellent facility capabilities and strict product testing. Its team, which includes engineers, strives to develop welding wire solutions that push the boundaries of what is possible in both common and niche applications.
“We’re constantly looking for ways to improve our manufacturing processes to enhance lead times, improve product quality and develop unique solutions that solve some of the most demanding welding challenges of our time,” Pruett says.
NS ARC, 800/777-1618, nsarc.com.
