Lincoln Electric Outershield® 71M is a gas-shielded flux-cored (FCAW-G) wire classified AWS A5.20 E71T-1C/-1M, delivering all-position capability and high deposition rates on mild and low-alloy structural steel. This listing is the 0.045" diameter, 10 lb spool (ED020836) — the most popular flux-cored diameter for general fabrication and structural welding, packaged for shops and field crews that need manageable spool sizes.
| Product Line | Lincoln Electric Outershield® 71M |
|---|---|
| Part Number | ED020836 |
| AWS Classification | AWS A5.20 E71T-1C/-1M |
| Wire Diameter | 0.045 in (1.14 mm) |
| Spool / Drum Weight | 10 lb Spool |
| Shielding Gas Required | 100% CO₂ or 75% Ar / 25% CO₂ (C25) |
| Polarity | DCEP (DC Electrode Positive) |
| Typical Applications | Structural steel (AWS D1.1), bridges, buildings, heavy fabrication, all-position fillet and groove welds, shipbuilding |
Outershield 71M at 0.045" is one of the most widely used flux-cored wire specifications in structural and heavy fabrication. The larger diameter (vs. 0.035") enables higher deposition rates, making it the preferred size for production welding shops where weld time drives cost.
- Structural steel fabrication: Meets AWS D1.1 requirements. Ideal for fillet and groove welds on A36, A572, A992, and similar mild and low-alloy steels in all positions.
- Bridge and heavy construction: The E71T-1 classification and all-position rating satisfy most bridge fabrication specifications and DOT requirements. Strong puddle control in vertical-up and overhead positions.
- Shipbuilding: Approved by ABS, Lloyd's, and other class societies. Higher deposition at 0.045" vs. 0.035" improves throughput on long structural welds in hull and deck fabrication.
- General heavy fabrication: Works well on plate 1/4" through 1" and beyond. The T-1 slag system provides easy slag removal and good bead appearance on multi-pass welds.
- Field welding and erection: 10 lb spools are practical for field use in structural erection where portability and keeping unused wire sealed between sessions matters.
The 0.045" diameter is the step up from 0.035" for higher-amperage welding (typically 150–300 A), providing greater deposition rates and efficiency on plate 3/16" and thicker. If you primarily weld thinner gauge material (under 3/16"), the 0.035" version (ED026804) is a better fit.
Compare Outershield 71M to Lincoln's UltraCore HD-C (AWS A5.36 E71T1-C1A2-CS1) if you need the newer A5.36 specification with tighter classification controls for demanding structural or bridge codes. For metal-cored (slag-free) applications in flat/horizontal position, consider Metalshield MC-110. For solid wire on clean mild steel, see SuperArc L-56.
Browse the full flux-cored lineup at our Flux-Core Welding Wire collection.
WeldingMart is an authorized Lincoln Electric distributor. When you order Outershield 71M from WeldingMart, you receive genuine factory-certified product — not counterfeit or repackaged wire that could fail your weld qualification.
- Genuine Lincoln Electric product: Every spool is traceable to Lincoln Electric's manufacturing facility and meets the chemistry and mechanical property requirements of AWS A5.20.
- Expert support: Our team can confirm gas selection, parameter ranges, and code compliance requirements for your specific Outershield 71M application.
- Fast US shipping: In-stock spools ship quickly. Structural fabrication deadlines wait for no one.
- Full size range available: We stock Outershield 71M in 0.035" and 0.045" diameters in multiple spool weights. Browse all options at our Flux-Core Wire collection.