S600419-029 - Hobart Tube-Alloy Buildup-O 1/16" Self-Shielded Flux Cored Wire, 33lb Spool

Technical Overview of Hobart Tube-Alloy Buildup-O

The Hobart Tube-Alloy Buildup-O is a specialized tubular wire designed for the industrial restoration of dimensionally compromised steel components. Engineered as a self-shielded, open-arc flux-cored wire, it deposits a low alloy steel composition that is specifically formulated for build-up applications on mild and low alloy steels. Unlike standard joining wires, the metallurgy of Buildup-O is optimized to provide exceptional compressive strength and impact resistance, rather than just tensile strength. This makes it the ideal choice for a "buffer layer" or underbase prior to the application of harder, more brittle abrasion-resistant alloys. By providing a stiff yet tough foundation, it prevents the harder overlay from cracking or spalling under high-load conditions.

This 1/16-inch diameter wire is supplied on a 33-pound spool, suitable for standard industrial wire feeders. The "O" in the product name designates its Open Arc capability, meaning it requires no external shielding gas, simplifying setup and reducing costs for field operations. The deposit produced is sound, dense, and free of porosity when applied correctly using Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP). One of the critical technical advantages of this alloy is its machinability. After building up a worn shaft, wheel, or trunnion to slightly oversized dimensions, the deposit can be machined back to precise tolerances, restoring the part to its original OEM specifications before returning it to service or applying a final hardfacing cap.

Metallurgically, the deposit is designed to withstand plastic deformation under heavy compressive loads. This is crucial in applications like crane wheels or track rollers where the point-loading can be extreme. If a soft mild steel wire were used for buildup, the base might deform under the hardfacing, leading to catastrophic failure of the overlay. Hobart Tube-Alloy Buildup-O resists this deformation, ensuring the integrity of the entire repair system. It is suitable for unlimited buildup layers, allowing for the restoration of severely worn parts without the risk of internal stress cracking often associated with higher hardness alloys.