ED020836 - Lincoln Outershield 71M .045 Flux-Cored Wire 10lb Spool

Industrial Grade Performance in a Portable Package

The Lincoln Electric Outershield 71M is a premium gas-shielded flux-cored wire designed to meet the rigorous demands of structural fabrication and heavy equipment repair. Engineered for versatility, this .045-inch diameter wire is compliant with AWS E71T-1C and E71T-1M standards, ensuring high-quality weld deposits with excellent mechanical properties. The 10lb spool format is specifically tailored for use with portable suitcase wire feeders and smaller industrial MIG machines, providing the perfect balance between mobility and run-time capacity.

One of the defining characteristics of the Outershield 71M is its exceptional operator appeal. The wire produces a smooth, stable spray-like transfer with minimal spatter, which significantly reduces post-weld cleanup operations. It is designed to operate effectively with either 100% CO2 or a blend of 75% Argon / 25% CO2. Using mixed gas tends to provide a smoother arc and marginally higher tensile strength, while CO2 offers deeper penetration and cost-effectiveness. This dual-gas capability allows fabricators to adapt to available resources without changing consumables.

The slag system of the Outershield 71M is formulated for fast freezing, which supports the weld puddle admirably in vertical-up and overhead positions. This makes it an excellent choice for complex structural assemblies where rotating the workpiece is impossible. Furthermore, the slag is easily detachable—often self-peeling—revealing a clean, convex bead profile that requires minimal grinding. The wire also features a unique "snap-off" tip characteristic, allowing the welder to break the wire end by hand after a weld, facilitating immediate restrikes without the need for wire cutters.

Lincoln Electric manufactures this wire with strict quality controls to ensure consistent diameter, cast, and helix, preventing feeding issues such as bird-nesting or liner drag. Whether used in shipbuilding, general fabrication, or on-site construction, the Outershield 71M delivers reliable, X-ray quality welds with superior impact toughness.