# E71T-1 flux-cored wire

Gas-shielded E71T-1 wire: full classifications, shielding-gas dependence, bounded operating examples and process controls.

Reviewed: 2026-11-01

Tags: consumables, welding, wire

Hobart's **Excel-Arc 71**, revision **251003**, lists **170 A and 23 V** for **1.2 mm wire** in an all-position row on **DCEP**. The row uses **260 in/min feed**, **16 mm CTWD** and **100% CO₂ at 35–50 cfh**. The sheet calls for **1 V less** with 75% argon/25% CO₂. Qualify the actual joint and gas. [Hobart Brothers, *FabCO Excel-Arc 71 Technical Data Sheet*, revision 251003](https://www.hobartbrothers.com/wp-content/uploads/hobart-catalog/datasheets/FabCO_Excel_Arc71.pdf)

## Identity and classification

E71T-1 describes gas-shielded tubular wire. In AWS A5.20, 7 denotes the 70 ksi tensile class, 1 all-position capability and T tubular construction. Hobart lists -1C and -1M for DCEP and single or multiple passes. [Hobart Brothers, *Filler Metals Catalog*, tubular-wire classification section, p. 32](https://www.hobartbrothers.com/downloads/hobart_catalog_nAXt.pdf)

In that guide, **C** identifies carbon dioxide shielding and **M** an argon/carbon-dioxide mixture. **H8** identifies a diffusible-hydrogen designation, expressed per 100 g of deposited weld metal. Do not omit gas or hydrogen suffixes when a procedure requires them. The catalogue also warns that weld-metal properties vary with shielding gas and advises consulting the manufacturer before using a different gas. Its classification diagram is not a substitute for the governing standard edition and the exact product sheet. [Hobart Brothers, *Filler Metals Catalog*](https://www.hobartbrothers.com/downloads/hobart_catalog_nAXt.pdf).

A current named example is **FabCO Excel-Arc 71**. Hobart lists AWS A5.20 E71T-1C/M H8 and E71T-9C/M H8 and identifies mild-steel applications. Multiple classifications on one product do not make their test requirements identical; retain the complete designation required for the job. Its product page lists flat/horizontal, vertical-up and overhead positions, so “all position” should not be read as permission for any progression or parameter combination. [Hobart Brothers, *FabCO Excel-Arc 71 Product Details*](https://www.hobartbrothers.com/product/product-details/fabco-excel-arc-71/).

## Gas-shielded is distinct from self-shielded

The flux core does not by itself mean “gasless.” Miller distinguishes gas-shielded flux-cored welding from self-shielded welding and discusses **E71T-11** as a self-shielded mild-steel example. E71T-1 and E71T-11 are different designations; the extra digit must not be dropped when selecting wire or reading polarity instructions. Check the reel label and product sheet before changing a machine from a self-shielded setup. [Miller, *Flux-Cored Welding: The Basics for Mild Steel*](https://www.millerwelds.com/en-US/resources/knowledge-hub/mig-welding/how-to/flux-cored-welding-the-basics-for-mild-steel).

Gas selection is part of consumable selection. Lincoln's UltraCore/Outershield guide organizes products by shielding gas before comparing classifications, mechanical properties and packaging. It separately considers impact-test temperature, chemistry, diffusible hydrogen and as-welded versus stress-relieved data. A shared E71T-1 label cannot establish equal toughness, suitability after heat treatment or identical operating behavior. The guide footer identifies **C3.12.58, March 2026**. [Lincoln Electric, *UltraCore and Outershield FCAW-G 71T Selection Guide*](https://ch-delivery.lincolnelectric.com/api/public/content/afce8446001d492c97620d244843aad0?v=0e314733).

## Bounded operating example

Hobart's **Excel-Arc 71** technical sheet, revision **251003**, replacing 250829, describes a fast-freezing rutile slag system and DCEP operation. It permits 100% CO₂ or 75–80% argon/balance CO₂. One operating-table row is:

| Condition | Listed value |
|---|---|
| Wire diameter | 0.045 inch [1.2 mm] |
| Position category | All position |
| Current / voltage | 170 A / 23 V |
| Wire-feed speed | 260 in/min [6.6 m/min] |
| Contact-tip-to-work distance | 5/8 inch [16 mm] |

Use the table’s gas and voltage together. Its mechanical results are typical AWS A5.20 test values. Qualify the actual weldment. [Hobart Brothers, *FabCO Excel-Arc 71 Technical Data Sheet*, revision 251003](https://www.hobartbrothers.com/wp-content/uploads/hobart-catalog/datasheets/FabCO_Excel_Arc71.pdf)

## Process and material selection

Do not transfer solid-wire settings solely because the wire diameters match. Hobart explains that fluxing agents and slag systems can make wires within the same classification differ in arc force, spatter, fume, bead contour and out-of-position behavior. Its comparison also explains how the slag system supports the pool in vertical-up work. Classification establishes a framework, while the named product and qualified procedure establish the usable setup. [Hobart Brothers, *Busting Myths About Flux-Cored Wires*](https://www.hobartbrothers.com/resources/technical-articles/busting-myths-about-flux-cored-wires/).

For a selection record, capture the full classification, manufacturer/product, diameter, shielding-gas composition, polarity, feed/voltage settings, contact-tip-to-work distance, progression and material/service requirements. This checklist synthesizes the cited selection and operating guidance. It does not qualify a weld on an unidentified alloy or authorize substitution into a pressure, seismic or low-temperature application merely because a product lists structural uses.

Slag removal remains part of the process. Hobart explains that trapped slag causes inclusions and that travel angle, weld placement and cleanup depend on the wire's slag behavior and welding position. Follow the product/procedure instructions and clean between passes; do not assume a subsequent pass will absorb leftover slag or that a solid-wire push technique applies unchanged. [Hobart Brothers, *Everything You Should Know About Weld Slag*](https://www.hobartbrothers.com/resources/technical-articles/weld-slag/).

Hydrogen control includes more than the H suffix. Miller's guidance calls for keeping filler metal clean, dry and in original packaging until use, protecting it during temperature changes and avoiding condensation. It also notes that contact-tip-to-work distance can affect diffusible hydrogen, within the manufacturer's recommended range. That is a reason to control the stated distance, not permission to lengthen stickout indefinitely as a remedy for cracking. [Miller, *How to Control Hydrogen in Welding*](https://www.millerwelds.com/en-us/resources/knowledge-hub/field-welding/pipe/the-hydrogen-problem).

## Storage, conditioning and handling

Excel-Arc 71 requires dry, enclosed storage in intact original packaging; **redrying is not recommended**. Do not apply a covered-electrode baking schedule. [Hobart Brothers, *FabCO Excel-Arc 71 Technical Data Sheet*](https://www.hobartbrothers.com/wp-content/uploads/hobart-catalog/datasheets/FabCO_Excel_Arc71.pdf).

Lincoln's flux-cored-wire storage guidance likewise requires protection from moisture, dirt and oil and says rusty or seriously water-contaminated cored electrodes cannot be restored to their original condition and should be discarded. Its packaging-specific exposure rules apply to the named Lincoln product families, not automatically to a different supplier's spool. Obtain product-specific disposition instructions when packaging or storage has been compromised. [Lincoln Electric, *Storage and Handling Instructions for Flux-Cored Wires*, consumables catalogue p. 37](https://ch-delivery.lincolnelectric.com/api/public/content/8f62b7daa7104f118facf6c320f497f0?v=2fd828e3).

For the exact-product safety reference, Hobart's **Excel-Arc 71 SDS**, code **S2471**, version **1.0**, is revised **7 January 2026**. It distinguishes the supplied wire from welding-process hazards: fume composition depends on wire, base metal, coatings and operating conditions. It requires adequate ventilation/local exhaust, appropriate welding eye/body protection and exposure controls. The classification does not establish a universal ventilation rate or remove coating-related fume concerns. [Hobart Brothers, *FabCO Excel-Arc 71 Safety Data Sheet*, sections 1, 2 and 8](https://www.hobartbrothers.com/wp-content/uploads/hobart-catalog/msds/FabCO_Excel-Arc-71_S2471_V1_NA_EN.pdf).