E71T-1 FCAW Wire Technical Spec Sheet
Comprehensive technical specification for E71T-1 flux cored arc welding wire, covering properties, sizing, machinability, defects, and handling for Canadian fabrication shops.
Material Overview & Common Uses
E71T-1 is a gas-shielded flux cored arc welding (FCAW) wire classified under AWS A5.20 / CSA W48. It is designed for single- and multi-pass welding of carbon and low-alloy steels in all positions (with proper technique). The 'E' denotes electrode, '71' indicates 70 ksi minimum tensile strength (480 MPa) and 20 J Charpy V-notch impact at -20°F (-29°C), and 'T-1' signifies a rutile-based flux with a fast-freezing slag system. Common applications include structural steel fabrication, heavy equipment repair, shipbuilding, and general manufacturing in Canadian shops. It offers high deposition rates, excellent bead appearance, and good operator appeal, especially in out-of-position welding.
Core Technical Properties & Sizing
| Parameter | Value / Specification |
|---|---|
| Classification | AWS A5.20 E71T-1 (CSA W48) |
| Tensile Strength | 70 ksi (480 MPa) min |
| Yield Strength | 58 ksi (400 MPa) min |
| Elongation | 22% min in 2 in. (50 mm) |
| Impact Toughness | 20 J at -20°F (-29°C) |
| Wire Diameters | 0.035 in. (0.9 mm), 0.045 in. (1.1 mm), 0.052 in. (1.3 mm), 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) |
| Packaging | 10 lb (4.5 kg) spools, 33 lb (15 kg) spools, 60 lb (27 kg) coils, 500 lb (227 kg) drums |
| Shielding Gas | 75% Ar / 25% CO₂ (C25) or 100% CO₂. Flow: 35-50 CFH |
| Polarity | Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP) |
| Typical Parameters (0.045 in.) | 150-250 A, 24-30 V, WFS 250-450 ipm |
| Deposition Rate | 5-10 lb/hr (2.3-4.5 kg/hr) |
| Slag System | Rutile-based, fast-freezing, self-peeling |
Machinability, Tooling & Feeds
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Drive Rolls | U-groove or V-groove (knurled recommended to avoid crushing flux) |
| Stick-Out | 1-1.5 in. (25-38 mm) |
| Contact Tip | Matched to wire diameter (e.g., 0.045 in. tip for 0.045 in. wire) |
| Wire Feed Tension | Calibrate to avoid kinking or bird-nesting; inspect liner regularly |
| Common Diameters (Canadian Shops) | 0.045 in. for general fabrication, 1/16 in. for heavy plate |
| Travel Angle | Avoid excessive drag angle to prevent slag entrapment |
| Out-of-Position Welding | Reduce wire feed speed and voltage slightly |
Common Defects & Quality Control
| Defect | Primary Cause(s) | Remediation |
|---|---|---|
| Porosity | Moisture in flux, low gas flow, drafts | Verify 35-50 CFH flow, store wire @ <60% RH |
| Slag Inclusions | Poor interpass cleaning, incorrect travel angle | Chip hammer & wire brush between passes |
| Burnback | Low WFS, high voltage, worn contact tip | Adjust parameters, replace contact tip |
| Erratic Arc | Rust, oil, mill scale on base metal | Clean joint area to bright metal |
| Wire Feeding Issues | Kinks, bird-nesting, liner blockage | Inspect liner, adjust drive roll tension |
| Undercut | High voltage, high travel speed | Reduce voltage or travel speed |
| Spatter | High voltage, low WFS, poor gas coverage | Increase WFS, check gas flow and nozzle condition |
Storage, Handling & Racking Guidelines
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Environment | Dry, climate-controlled: 40-60% RH, 15-25°C |
| Original Packaging | Keep sealed until use to prevent moisture absorption |
| Exposure to Humidity | If >60% RH for >24 hrs, bake at 250-300°F (120-150°C) for 2 hrs |
| Floor Storage | Do not store directly on concrete; use pallets or racking |
| Winter Acclimation | Allow 4 hrs minimum to reach shop temp before opening to prevent condensation |
| Stock Rotation | FIFO (First-In, First-Out) to avoid age-related flux degradation |
| Traceability | Label spools with receipt date and lot number for quality tracking |