S245119-029 - Hobart Fabco XL-550 1/16" Flux-Cored Wire 33lb Spool

High-Performance Structural Flux-Cored Wire

The Hobart Fabco XL-550 is a premium gas-shielded flux-cored wire engineered to meet the rigorous demands of heavy industrial fabrication. This 1/16-inch diameter wire, supplied on a 33-pound spool, is specifically formulated to deliver excellent mechanical properties, particularly impact toughness, at low temperatures. It meets AWS classifications E71T-1C, E71T-9C, and E71T-12C, making it a versatile choice for code-quality work in shipbuilding, offshore platform construction, and heavy structural steel erection. The wire is designed for use with 100% CO2 shielding gas, providing deep penetration and reliable fusion even on thicker plate sections.

One of the defining characteristics of the Fabco XL-550 is its low hydrogen weld deposit (H8), which significantly reduces the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking (cold cracking) in high-strength steels. This feature is critical for applications involving restrained joints or high-stress environments. The wire's slag system is fast-freezing, which supports excellent all-position weldability, including vertical-up and overhead capabilities. This allows operators to maintain high productivity rates without constantly repositioning the workpiece. The slag is also designed for easy removal, often peeling off on its own, which minimizes inter-pass cleaning time and improves overall efficiency.

Metallurgically, the Fabco XL-550 provides a consistent chemistry that ensures reliable performance across various heats. The wire feeds smoothly through standard MIG guns, reducing downtime associated with bird-nesting or liner friction. It is an ideal solution for industries such as earth-moving equipment manufacturing, storage vessel fabrication, and general heavy construction where durability and weld integrity are paramount. By utilizing CO2, a cost-effective shielding gas, this wire also helps manage consumable costs while delivering superior X-ray quality welds.