E81T1-Ni1 Nickel Flux-Core Wire for Low-Temperature Service
E81T1-Ni1 Amperage by Diameter
| Diameter | Amperage Range |
|---|---|
| 0.045" (1.2 mm) | 130 - 280A |
| 0.052" (1.4 mm) | 150 - 320A |
| 1/16" (1.6 mm) | 175 - 380A |
E81T1-Ni1 is a gas-shielded flux-cored wire classified under AWS A5.29 for welding low-alloy steels. The 1% nickel addition provides Charpy impact toughness at -40F (-40C), making it suitable for low-temperature service applications including offshore platforms, arctic pipelines, cryogenic storage tank supports, and structural steel in extreme cold climates. The T1 designator indicates it is a gas-shielded wire requiring 75/25 Ar/CO2 or 100% CO2 shielding gas, operating on DCEP polarity. It provides 80,000 psi tensile strength, higher than standard E71T-1, to match HSLA base metals. E81T1-Ni1 is widely used in heavy fabrication, shipbuilding, offshore structures, and pressure vessel construction where low-temperature toughness and high deposition rates are both required.
What This Means in Practice
E81T1-Ni1 contains approximately 1% nickel in the weld deposit, which dramatically improves impact toughness at sub-zero temperatures. The 81 means 80,000 psi tensile (higher than standard E71T-1), and the Ni1 designates the nickel content. This wire is for structural or pressure vessel work where the equipment operates at or is tested at temperatures down to -40F.
E81T1-Ni1 Suitability Scores
How well this electrode matches common applications. Not a quality rating. all AWS-certified electrodes meet their specification.
When to Use E81T1-Ni1
Use E81T1-Ni1 when the application requires Charpy impact toughness at -40F or colder.
Required for offshore structures, arctic service, low-temperature storage, and pressure vessels designed for sub-zero operating or testing temperatures.
Also used when the base metal is HSLA steel requiring an 80 ksi weld deposit with nickel toughness.
E81T1-Ni1 Limitations
Requires external shielding gas (75/25 Ar/CO2 or 100% CO2).
More expensive than E71T-1 due to nickel content.
Not suitable for self-shielded field welding.
Produces more fume than solid wire MIG.
Requires proper storage to maintain wire quality.
Preheat and interpass temperature control is important on thicker sections.
E81T1-Ni1 Storage Requirements
Store in dry conditions. Keep wire sealed until use. Protect from humidity to prevent hydrogen pickup.
E81T1-Ni1 Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | E81T1-Ni1 |
| Process | flux-core-wire () |
| Polarity | DCEP |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical up, overhead |
| Penetration | medium-deep |
| Coating Type | gas-shielded flux core |
| Tensile Strength | 80,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 68,000 psi |
| Elongation | 19% |
| Impact Toughness | 20 ft-lbs at -40°F |
| Base Metals | HSLA steels, Low-temperature service steels, Offshore structural steel, Pressure vessel steel |
| Shielding Gas | 75/25 Ar/CO2 or 100% CO2 |
| AWS Specification | A5.29 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Ni1 in E81T1-Ni1 mean?
Ni1 designates approximately 1% nickel content in the weld deposit. Nickel dramatically improves impact toughness at low temperatures. The Ni1 designation means this wire meets Charpy impact requirements at -40F (-40C). Other nickel designations include Ni2 (2% nickel, tested at -60F) and Ni3 (3% nickel, tested at -100F).
What shielding gas does E81T1-Ni1 require?
E81T1-Ni1 is a gas-shielded flux-core wire (the T1 designator indicates this). Use 75/25 Ar/CO2 for best all-around performance, or 100% CO2 for deeper penetration on thicker materials. Unlike self-shielded wires (E71T-8, E71T-11), this wire requires an external gas supply and will not work properly without it.
When is E81T1-Ni1 required instead of E71T-1?
Use E81T1-Ni1 when the application requires impact toughness below -20F. Standard E71T-1 is typically tested at 0F or -20F. E81T1-Ni1 is tested at -40F and provides 80 ksi tensile strength versus 70 ksi for E71T-1. Common applications include offshore platforms, arctic pipelines, and pressure vessels designed for sub-zero service temperatures.
External Resources
Manufacturer data sheets and standards for E81T1-Ni1.
Data sourced from AWS A5.29/A5.29M. Amperage ranges are approximate starting points. adjust based on position, fit-up, and material thickness. Always follow manufacturer recommendations and applicable codes.