ED029201 - Lincoln Outershield 71 Elite .045 Flux-Cored Wire 33lb Spool

Lincoln Electric Outershield 71 Elite .045" Flux-Cored Wire

The Lincoln Electric Outershield 71 Elite is a premium gas-shielded flux-cored wire designed for mild steel welding in industrial applications. Engineered to meet the rigorous demands of structural fabrication, this .045-inch diameter wire delivers consistent mechanical properties and excellent weldability. It is formulated to operate with either 100% CO2 or a blend of 75-82% Argon and CO2, providing flexibility for shops that utilize different shielding gas mixtures. The wire is packaged on a 33 lb spool, suitable for standard industrial wire feeders.

One of the defining technical characteristics of the Outershield 71 Elite is its compliance with AWS D1.8 seismic lot waiver requirements. This certification makes it a preferred choice for critical structural steel erection where seismic resistance is mandatory. The wire falls under AWS classifications E71T-9C-H8 and E71T-9M-H8, indicating its suitability for multi-pass welding and its controlled hydrogen content (H8), which reduces the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking in heavy plate applications.

The flux composition is designed to produce a fast-freezing slag, which supports the weld puddle in out-of-position welding, including vertical-up and overhead orientations. This capability allows for high deposition rates even when welding out of position, increasing productivity in complex fabrication assemblies. The arc transfer is characterized as smooth with small ball transfer, resulting in a stable arc that is easy to control. Spatter levels are kept low, which contributes to material efficiency and reduced labor costs associated with post-weld cleaning.

Applications for the Outershield 71 Elite include general fabrication, shipbuilding, barge construction, and heavy equipment repair. Its ability to maintain good bead appearance and sound X-ray quality welds makes it a reliable consumable for high-specification projects. The wire is wound on a durable spool to ensure smooth feeding and prevent tangling during high-speed welding operations.