S284915-025 - Hobart FabCO 71 .052 Flux-Cored Wire 15kg Vacuum Spool

Hobart FabCO 71: Premium Gas-Shielded Flux-Cored Wire

The Hobart FabCO 71 is a highly versatile gas-shielded flux-cored wire designed for the welding of mild and medium carbon steels. This specific product comes in a 0.052-inch diameter, wound on a 15kg (approximately 33lb) spool. A key feature of this SKU is the vacuum packaging (Vpsp), which hermetically seals the wire to protect it from atmospheric moisture. This ensures that the wire maintains its low hydrogen characteristics right up until the moment of use, which is critical for preventing hydrogen-induced cracking in sensitive structural applications.

Engineered for all-position welding, the FabCO 71 utilizes a fast-freezing slag system that supports the weld puddle effectively in vertical-up and overhead positions. Despite its ability to handle out-of-position work, it also delivers high deposition rates in flat and horizontal positions, making it a dual-purpose solution for complex fabrication assemblies. The wire is formulated to operate with either 100% CO2 or a mixture of 75% Argon and 25% CO2, providing flexibility depending on the available shielding gas and the desired arc characteristics. When used with CO2, the wire offers deep penetration; with mixed gas, the arc becomes smoother with reduced spatter.

Ideally suited for industries such as shipbuilding, heavy equipment manufacturing, and structural steel erection, the FabCO 71 meets AWS E71T-1C and E71T-1M classifications. The 0.052-inch diameter is a preferred size for heavy fabrication, offering a balance between the high deposition rates of larger wires and the controllability of smaller diameters. The consistent chemical composition and manufacturing quality of Hobart wires ensure reliable feeding and uniform weld bead appearance, reducing downtime associated with contact tip burn-back or bird-nesting.

Mechanical properties of the deposited weld metal are excellent, typically exceeding 70,000 psi tensile strength with good Charpy V-Notch impact toughness values, even at lower temperatures. This makes the FabCO 71 a robust choice for dynamic loading applications where weld integrity is paramount. The easy-peel slag further enhances productivity by minimizing the time spent on post-weld cleaning and inter-pass preparation.