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.
Which One Should You Use?
Pick E71T-1 if:
Runs on DCEP, 150-500A range. E71T-1 full amperage chart
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 |
Settings at a Glance
Machine settings and operating characteristics side by side. For full amperage charts, see the individual electrode pages.
| Setting | ER70S-6 | E71T-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Polarity | DCEP | DCEP |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead | flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead |
| Penetration | medium | medium-deep |
| Coating | copper-coated solid wire | tubular flux-core (gas-shielded) |
| Amps at 0.023" | 30-90A | N/A |
| Amps at 0.030" | 40-145A | N/A |
| Amps at .045" | N/A | 150-300A |
| Amps at 1/16" | N/A | 200-400A |
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.
Practical Differences
| Factor | ER70S-6 | E71T-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Fume Level | Low (0.2-0.5 g/min) | Medium (0.4-0.8 g/min) |
| Common Brands | SuperArc L-56, HB-28 | Outershield 71M, FabCO 711 |
Where to Buy
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ER70S-6 vs E71T-1: Common Questions
Which is better, ER70S-6 or E71T-1?
Wrong question. They solve different problems. Key differences: Wire Type: ER70S-6 has solid wire, while E71T-1 has tubular wire with flux core. Slag: ER70S-6 has none - no post-weld cleanup, while E71T-1 has produces slag that must be chipped. Penetration (per amp): ER70S-6 has good with spray transfer, while E71T-1 has higher - flux reactions concentrate arc. The comparison table on this page breaks down each trade-off.
Can I substitute ER70S-6 for E71T-1?
Only if the specs allow it. Penetration differs: ER70S-6 is medium, E71T-1 is medium-deep. Coating chemistry is different (copper-coated solid wire vs tubular flux-core (gas-shielded)), so the arc and slag behave differently.
Can I use both ER70S-6 and E71T-1 on the same joint?
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.
Reference data only. Verify all settings against manufacturer documentation and the applicable welding code before use. Amperage ranges are starting points that vary by position, fit-up, and material. Welding involves serious injury risks including burns, electric shock, fume exposure, and fire. This site does not replace proper training, certification, or employer safety procedures. See full terms of use.
Data sourced from AWS A5.18/A5.18M, AWS A5.20/A5.20M.