S222319-056 - Hobart Fabshield 23 1/16" E71T-GS Flux Core Wire Drum

Technical Overview of Hobart Fabshield 23

The Hobart Fabshield 23 (SKU: S222319-056) is a general-purpose, self-shielded flux-cored wire designed for the high-speed welding of thin-gauge carbon steels. Classified as E71T-GS under AWS standards, this consumable is engineered specifically for single-pass applications where external shielding gas is impractical or unavailable. The 1/16-inch diameter wire is supplied in a high-capacity 600 lb X-Pak drum, making it an optimal choice for stationary industrial cells, hard automation, or robotic welding stations where minimizing downtime for spool changes is critical to operational efficiency.

Technically, Fabshield 23 is formulated with a robust package of deoxidizers and scavengers. This chemical composition allows the wire to perform exceptionally well on base materials that present surface contaminants such as mill scale, light rust, or zinc coatings (galvanized steel). The flux core generates its own protective atmosphere, stabilizing the arc and protecting the molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination without the need for gas cylinders or manifold systems. It operates strictly on Direct Current Electrode Negative (DCEN), also known as straight polarity, which contributes to its shallow penetration profile—ideal for preventing burn-through on thin sheet metal.

The deposition characteristics of this wire are notable for their smoothness. Despite being a self-shielded product, which traditionally exhibits harsher arc characteristics, Fabshield 23 maintains a soft arc with relatively low spatter levels compared to other E71T-GS wires. The slag system is designed for easy removal, often curling up or detaching with minimal mechanical intervention. However, operators and welding engineers must note that as an E71T-GS class wire, it is strictly limited to single-pass welds. Multi-pass welding with this alloy can lead to excessive manganese buildup, potentially resulting in weld cracking or embrittlement. Therefore, it is best utilized in lap welds, fillets on sheet metal, and specific galvanized fabrication tasks.