S689112-078 - Hobart Fabco 308LT1-1/4 Stainless Flux-Cored Wire 0.045 27.5lb Spool

Technical Overview of Hobart Fabco 308LT1-1/4

The Hobart Fabco 308LT1-1/4 is a premium gas-shielded flux-cored wire designed for the high-quality welding of austenitic stainless steels. Engineered to meet AWS E308LT1-1 and E308LT1-4 classifications, this wire is specifically formulated for joining Type 304 and 304L stainless steels, as well as stabilized grades like 321 and cast alloys such as CF-8 and CF-3. The 'L' designation indicates a low carbon content (maximum 0.04%), which is critical for minimizing carbide precipitation during the welding process. This feature significantly enhances the weldment's resistance to intergranular corrosion, making it suitable for service environments where corrosive media are present.

This 0.045-inch diameter wire operates on Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP) and offers exceptional versatility in shielding gas selection. It performs reliably with either 100% CO2, which provides deep penetration and cost-effectiveness, or a mixture of 75% Argon and 25% CO2, which typically yields a smoother arc and reduced spatter. The fluxing system is designed to support all-position welding, including vertical-up and overhead, by providing a fast-freezing slag that supports the weld puddle. This makes the Fabco 308LT1-1/4 an excellent choice for complex fabrication tasks where positioning the workpiece is not feasible.

Mechanically, the wire produces sound welds with a tensile strength typically exceeding 80,000 psi (depending on gas and parameters) and elongation values that ensure ductility. The slag is self-peeling in many applications or easily removed with light chipping, revealing a bright, flat-to-convex bead profile with fine ripples. This reduces post-weld cleaning time and labor costs, optimizing overall fabrication throughput.