S248819-029 - Hobart Fabco 711M 1/16" Flux-Cored Welding Wire 33lb Spool

Technical Overview: Hobart Fabco 711M Flux-Cored Wire

The Hobart Fabco 711M is a tubular, gas-shielded flux-cored wire (FCAW-G) formulated to meet the demanding requirements of the heavy fabrication industry. This specific SKU features a 1/16" (1.6mm) diameter and comes on a standard 33lb (15kg) spool. It carries multiple AWS classifications, typically including E71T-1C/M, E71T-9C/M, and E71T-12C/M, indicating its superior mechanical properties and suitability for critical structural applications requiring 70 ksi tensile strength and excellent impact toughness at low temperatures.

Arc Characteristics and Performance

Welders utilizing the Fabco 711M will immediately notice its distinct arc behavior. The wire is engineered to produce a stiff, driving arc. This characteristic is intentional, designed to facilitate deep penetration into the base material, which is essential when welding thicker sections of mild and low-alloy steel. Despite this aggressive arc, the wire maintains excellent stability and low spatter levels, especially when used with Argon/CO2 blends. The fast-freezing slag formulation is a key technical advantage, supporting the weld puddle effectively in out-of-position welding, particularly vertical-up, without the weld metal sagging or dripping.

Shielding Gas and Metallurgy

Flexibility in shielding gas selection is a hallmark of the Fabco 711M. It operates effectively with both 100% CO2 and mixed gases (typically 75% Argon / 25% CO2). Using CO2 generally provides deeper penetration and lower operating costs, while mixed gases offer a smoother arc transfer and reduced fume generation. Metallurgically, the wire deposits low-hydrogen weld metal (typically under 8ml/100g), which is critical for minimizing the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking (cold cracking) in restrained joints or higher-strength steels. The deposit chemistry ensures consistent mechanical properties, meeting Charpy V-Notch impact requirements even at sub-zero temperatures.

Applications and Usage

This wire is optimized for single and multiple pass applications. It is widely specified for:

• Shipbuilding: Where all-position capability and impact toughness are non-negotiable.
• Structural Steel: For beam-to-column connections and general erection.
• Heavy Equipment: Manufacturing of earthmovers, cranes, and railcars.

The 1/16" diameter allows for higher deposition rates compared to smaller diameter wires, making it a productivity booster for shops dealing with medium-to-heavy plate thicknesses. Proper storage is recommended to maintain the low-hydrogen characteristics of the flux core.