ESAB Launches Self-Shielded Flux Cored Wire for Offshore, Construction, Pipe, and Bridge Applications
ESAB Welding & Cutting Products (Annapolis Junction, MD) has introduced Coreshield 71T-8 OS, a self-shielded flux cored wire for all-position welding of critical structural applications, such as TKY joints in offshore construction, pipe structures, bridges, and storage tanks.
Posted: August 17, 2021
The wire features a diffusible hydrogen content lower than 8ml/100g and provides excellent low temperature impact toughness. As-welded mechanical properties include a Charpy V Notch strength of up to 172J (127 ft.-lb.) at -40o C and typical tensile strength of 521 MPa (76 ksi).
“Coreshield 71T-8 OS offers excellent arc characteristics and high welder appeal,” said Neil Farrow, global product manager – cored wires, ESAB. “Compared SMAW, this flux cored wire offers the productivity benefits of a continuous process and deposition rates of up to 2.3 kg/hr with a 2 mm wire.”
Farrow added that compared to gas-shielded flux cored wires, the AWS 71T-8 (EN ISO 17632-A) class of self-shielded wires requires different equipment configurations, parameter settings, and techniques. To help operators achieve success, ESAB has produced an instructional video on Coreshield 71T-8 OS featuring techniques for welding in the vertical up (3G), vertical down, and 6G positions.
ESAB will initially offer the wire in a diameter of 2 mm (5/64 in.) on 200 mm (8 in.) plastic spools. In the future, ESAB will offer additional wire diameters and a 300 mm (12 in.) spool option. The wire comes in a vacuum-seal package to prevent moisture absorption and preserve its low hydrogen content.
