Solid MIG Wire vs Gas-Shielded Flux-Core for Production Welding
ER70S-6 solid MIG wire vs E71T-1 flux-core for shop fabrication. Choose based on material thickness, position, and cleanup requirements.
Key Differences
| Attribute | ER70S-6 | E71T-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Wire Type | Solid wire | Tubular wire with flux core |
| Slag | None - no post-weld cleanup | Produces slag that must be chipped |
| Penetration (per amp) | Good with spray transfer | Higher - flux reactions concentrate arc |
| Best Thickness Range | Sheet metal to 3/8" single pass | 1/4" and up, multi-pass on heavy plate |
| Out-of-Position | Requires short-circuit or pulse mode | Better puddle control in all positions |
| Appearance | Clean, smooth - minimal post-weld work | Rougher with slag lines, requires cleanup |
| Cost per Pound | Lower wire cost + gas cost | Higher wire cost + gas cost |
| Spatter | Low with proper settings | Moderate - more anti-spatter compound needed |
Use ER70S-6 when:
Use E71T-1 when:
How ER70S-6 and E71T-1 Work Together
On material under 3/8 inch, ER70S-6 MIG is faster because there is no slag to remove. On material over 3/8 inch, E71T-1 provides deeper penetration per amp and higher deposition rates. For multi-pass heavy plate work, E71T-1 is the production standard. For light gauge and appearance-critical work, ER70S-6 MIG is cleaner.
Common Mistake With Solid MIG Wire
Assuming flux-core is always better for thick steel. On single-pass fillet welds up to 5/16 inch, solid MIG with spray transfer can match or beat flux-core deposition rates with less cleanup. The crossover point where flux-core wins is multi-pass work on thicker joints.
Where to Buy
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