E71T-1 vs E71T-11: Gas-Shielded vs Self-Shielded Flux-Core
E71T-1 is gas-shielded flux-core for production shops. E71T-11 is self-shielded for field and outdoor work. Both are 70 ksi all-position wires but serve different environments.
Key Differences
| Attribute | E71T-1 | E71T-11 |
|---|---|---|
| Difference 1 | E71T-1 requires 75/25 or CO2 shielding gas and runs DCEP | |
| Difference 2 | E71T-11 is self-shielded and runs DCEN | |
| Difference 3 | E71T-1 has higher deposition rates and better mechanical properties (especially impact toughness) | |
| Difference 4 | E71T-11 works in wind and field conditions where gas shielding would blow away |
Use E71T-1 when:
Indoor shop production. Structural fabrication under D1.1. High-volume welding where deposition rate and weld quality both matter. You have a gas-shielded FCAW setup.
Use E71T-11 when:
Outdoor or field welding. Conditions where wind would disrupt shielding gas. Portable setups without gas bottles. Farm, construction site, and maintenance work.
How E71T-1 and E71T-11 Work Together
The choice is driven by environment, not preference. If you can keep gas shielding intact, E71T-1 produces better welds faster. If you cannot, E71T-11 is the only option.
Common Mistake With E71T-1
Running E71T-1 without gas. The wire requires external shielding; without it, the weld will be porous and brittle. Conversely, do not add gas to E71T-11, it is designed to self-shield.
Where to Buy
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Data sourced from AWS A5.20.