E71T-1 Gas-Shielded Flux-Core Wire: Amperage & Production Welding Guide
E71T-1 Amperage by Diameter
| Diameter | Amperage Range |
|---|---|
| .045" (1.1 mm) | 150 - 300A |
| 1/16" (1.4 mm) | 200 - 400A |
| 5/64" (1.6 mm) | 250 - 500A |
E71T-1 is a gas-shielded flux-core wire designed for production welding on carbon steel. It requires 75/25 (Ar/CO2) or 100% CO2 shielding gas, unlike self-shielded wires (E71T-11, E71T-GS). The combination of tubular wire and external gas shielding produces high deposition rates, smooth arc transfer, and excellent mechanical properties including good low-temperature impact toughness. This is the standard flux-core wire in fabrication shops running semi-automatic and mechanized welding on structural steel, heavy equipment, and shipbuilding.
What This Means in Practice
E71T-1 means: E (electrode) + 7 (70,000 psi tensile) + 1 (all positions) + T (tubular/flux-core) + 1 (classification 1: gas-shielded, DCEP, good impact toughness). The T-1 vs T-11 distinction is critical: T-1 needs gas, T-11 is self-shielded.
E71T-1 Suitability Scores
How well this electrode matches common applications. Not a quality rating. all AWS-certified electrodes meet their specification.
When to Use E71T-1
Production shops with gas-shielded FCAW setups.
Structural steel fabrication under D1.1.
Heavy plate fillet and groove welding where deposition rate matters.
Shipbuilding, heavy equipment, pressure vessels. Any application where you need higher productivity than solid MIG wire with all-position capability.
E71T-1 Limitations
Requires external shielding gas (75/25 or CO2), not for outdoor or windy conditions.
More spatter than solid MIG wire in short-circuit mode.
Gas and wire cost together are higher than self-shielded FCAW.
The equipment must be set up for gas-shielded flux-core (different liner, contact tips, gas flow).
E71T-1 Storage Requirements
Standard dry storage. Keep sealed to prevent moisture absorption in flux core.
E71T-1 Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | E71T-1 |
| Process | Flux-Core Welding (FCAW) |
| Polarity | DCEP |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical up, overhead |
| Penetration | medium-deep |
| Coating Type | tubular flux-core (gas-shielded) |
| Tensile Strength | 70,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 58,000 psi |
| Elongation | 22% |
| Impact Toughness | 20 ft-lbs at -20°F |
| Base Metals | carbon steel, low-alloy steel |
| Shielding Gas | 75% Argon / 25% CO2 or 100% CO2 |
| AWS Specification | A5.20 |
E71T-1 Questions
Does E71T-1 require shielding gas?
Yes. E71T-1 is a gas-shielded flux-core wire. It requires 75/25 (argon/CO2) or 100% CO2 shielding gas. This is different from self-shielded wires like E71T-11 and E71T-GS which need no external gas.
What is the difference between E71T-1 and E71T-11?
E71T-1 is gas-shielded with higher deposition rates and better mechanical properties, designed for production welding. E71T-11 is self-shielded for field and maintenance work where gas coverage is impractical.
Can E71T-1 be used without gas?
No. Running E71T-1 without shielding gas produces porous, contaminated welds. If you need gasless flux-core, use E71T-11 or E71T-GS instead.
Where to Buy E71T-1
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External Resources
Manufacturer data sheets and standards for E71T-1.
Data sourced from AWS A5.20/A5.20M. Amperage ranges are approximate starting points. adjust based on position, fit-up, and material thickness. Always follow manufacturer recommendations and applicable codes.