S288112-023 - Hobart Fabco 81K2-C 0.045 Flux-Cored Wire 15kg Spool

Smooth Welding with 100% CO2

If you are looking for a flux-cored wire that runs smooth on straight CO2 and handles out-of-position work like a dream, the Hobart Fabco 81K2-C is the wire you need. Many welders shy away from 100% CO2 because of the harsh arc and spatter it can produce, but Hobart has formulated the 81K2-C to tame that arc. You get the deep penetration and cost savings of CO2, but with a spray-like transfer that feels much more like a mixed-gas wire. The spatter levels are surprisingly low, and the slag peels off easily—often curling up on its own—saving you time on cleanup and chipping.

The "All-Position" rating on this wire isn't just a spec on a sheet; it really performs. When you are welding vertical-up on a ship hull or an excavator boom, the puddle stays exactly where you put it. The fast-freezing slag acts as a shelf, holding the molten metal in place so you can focus on your travel speed and oscillation without fighting gravity. It wets out nicely at the toes, reducing the chance of undercut, which is a huge plus when your welds are going to be inspected or X-rayed. Because it is an E81T1 wire, it is stronger than your standard 71T-1, giving you that extra peace of mind on heavy-duty repairs.

This wire is perfect for those heavy fabrication jobs where you need to lay down a lot of metal efficiently. It handles multiple passes exceptionally well, so you can fill large bevels without worrying about slag inclusions if you clean properly between passes. The .045" diameter is the sweet spot for general heavy fabrication, giving you high deposition rates in the flat position while still being manageable for vertical welds. Whether you are repairing earth-moving equipment in the field or fabricating structural beams in the shop, the Fabco 81K2-C gives you the control and quality you need to be proud of your beads.

Packaged in a standard 15kg (33lb) spool, it fits most industrial wire feeders. Just hook up your CO2 cylinder, set your polarity to DCEP, and you are ready to burn. It’s a workhorse wire that makes the tough jobs a little bit easier.