ED033761 - Lincoln UltraCore HD-C 1/16" Flux-Core Wire, 33lb Spool

Technical Overview of Lincoln UltraCore HD-C

The Lincoln Electric UltraCore® HD-C is a premium gas-shielded flux-cored wire specifically engineered to meet the rigorous demands of the shipbuilding and heavy fabrication industries. Identified by SKU ED033761, this 1/16-inch diameter wire comes in a 33lb spool and is formulated to operate exclusively with 100% CO2 shielding gas. This specific formulation allows for significant operational cost savings without compromising on mechanical properties or arc performance. The wire carries the AWS classification of E71T-1C-H8 and E71T-9C-H8, indicating its suitability for single and multi-pass welding of carbon steels with a controlled diffusible hydrogen content of less than 8ml per 100g of weld metal, which is critical for minimizing hydrogen-induced cracking in thick structural plates.

One of the defining characteristics of the UltraCore HD-C is its high deposition rate capability, which is essential for maintaining production schedules in large-scale manufacturing environments like shipyards. The flux composition is designed to provide a stable, consistent arc that produces a flat bead profile with excellent tie-in at the toes of the weld. This reduces the risk of defects such as lack of fusion or cold lap, which are detrimental in structural applications. Furthermore, the slag system is engineered for easy removal, often detaching in large pieces or self-peeling, which streamlines inter-pass cleaning and improves overall duty cycles.

Mechanically, the UltraCore HD-C delivers robust performance. It provides tensile strengths consistent with the 70-series classification (70,000 psi minimum) and offers reliable Charpy V-Notch impact toughness properties at lower temperatures, ensuring structural integrity in marine environments. The wire is manufactured using Lincoln Electric's advanced drawing and manufacturing techniques, ensuring consistent diameter control and feedability through long conduit runs often found in shipyard boom setups. By utilizing 100% CO2, operators benefit from the deep penetration profile characteristic of carbon dioxide shielding, ensuring solid root fusion in fillet and butt welds.

In summary, the UltraCore HD-C represents a targeted solution for industrial fabricators requiring a high-performance, all-position flux-cored wire that balances economic operation with superior metallurgical quality. Its specific design for CO2 usage makes it a staple in the shipbuilding sector where gas cost and weld quality are paramount.