Lincoln Electric Outershield® 71M is a gas-shielded flux-cored wire (FCAW-G) classified AWS A5.20 E71T-9C-J / E71T-9M-J and AWS A5.36 E71T1-C1A4-CS1-H16 / E71T1-M21A4-CS1-H16. This listing covers the 0.035" (0.9 mm) diameter, 10 lb spool (ED026804) — the compact format for field welding, maintenance shops, and fabricators who need FCAW-G performance without committing to a 25 lb or 33 lb spool.
The .035" Outershield 71M runs in the 100–200A range, pairing well with 200A-class MIG machines. Its E71T-9 classification confirms both single-pass and multi-pass capability and Charpy V-Notch toughness ≥27 J at −29°C (J designation). The H16 designation confirms diffusible hydrogen ≤16 mL/100g deposited weld metal. WeldingMart is an authorized Lincoln Electric distributor. View the full Outershield 71M family: Outershield 71M family hub. Browse all welding wire.
| Part Number | ED026804 |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | E71T-9C-J / E71T-9M-J (AWS A5.20); E71T1-C1A4-CS1-H16 / E71T1-M21A4-CS1-H16 (AWS A5.36) |
| Wire Type | Gas-Shielded Flux-Cored (FCAW-G) |
| Wire Diameter | 0.035 in (0.9 mm) |
| Spool Weight | 10 lb (4.5 kg) spool |
| Base Metal | Mild and low-alloy carbon steel (A36, A572, A588) |
| Shielding Gas | 100% CO₂ or 75% Ar / 25% CO₂ (C25); flow 40–50 CFH |
| Polarity | DCEP (DC Electrode Positive / DC+) |
| Welding Positions | All positions (flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead) |
| Diffusible Hydrogen | ≤16 mL/100g (H16 designator) |
| Tensile Strength (typical) | 560–625 MPa (81–91 ksi) as-welded |
| Yield Strength (typical) | 496–572 MPa (72–83 ksi) |
| Elongation | 27–29% |
| Charpy V-Notch | ≥27 J (20 ft·lbf) at −29°C (−20°F) |
| Deposit Composition (typical) | C 0.05–0.07%, Mn 1.04–1.60%, Si 0.25–0.50% |
Source: Lincoln Electric Outershield 71M product page
- Field welding and maintenance: The 10 lb spool format is portable and practical for field welders and maintenance shops. Easy to load, transport, and swap — minimizing downtime on service calls or job-site repair work.
- Structural fabrication on A36 and A572: All-position E71T-9 classification and D1.1-compliant chemistry make Outershield 71M .035" suitable for fillet and groove welds in structural steel applications requiring FCAW-G consumables.
- Bridge and infrastructure: E71T-9C-J / E71T-9M-J classification with J-grade impact toughness satisfies many DOT and bridge specifications for low-temperature structural welds.
- Shipbuilding and marine repair: 10 lb spool size is practical for confined-space and field welds in ship construction and repair where a large spool is inconvenient. The E71T-9 rating supports classification society requirements.
- Out-of-position work on lighter structural members: At .035" diameter and 100–200A operating range, Outershield 71M provides the out-of-position performance of flux-cored wire on lighter structural members where .045" generates too much heat input for the joint.
- Pipe welding and fitting welds (carbon steel): Fill and cap passes on carbon steel pipe where a FCAW-G wire is preferred for higher deposition versus solid MIG in fixed-position joints.
Outershield 71M .035" requires DCEP (DC+) polarity and external shielding gas.
Gas options:
- 100% CO₂: Deeper penetration, lower gas cost, slightly more spatter. Good choice for structural fillet welds where cleanup is tolerable. Typical voltage range: 18–23V at .035".
- 75% Ar / 25% CO₂ (C25): Smoother arc, noticeably lower spatter, flatter bead profile. Preferred for visible structural welds, maintenance welds on finished surfaces, and out-of-position passes where spatter cleanup is undesirable.
Flow rate: 40–50 CFH. Verify with a flow gauge at the gun, not just the regulator. Drafts in field environments may warrant a wind shield — unlike self-shielded wire, gas-shielded flux-cored is affected by wind that disperses the shielding gas envelope.
| .035" (0.9 mm) — this listing (ED026804) | 100–200A operating range. Best for lighter structural members, field work, maintenance, and shops with 200A-class machines. Versatile all-position wire at lower heat input. 10 lb spool for portability. |
|---|---|
| .045" (1.1 mm) | 165–325A range (100% CO₂). Higher deposition rate for production structural welding on heavier plate. Most popular production diameter for Outershield 71M in shop environments. 25 lb and 33 lb spool formats available. |
| .052" (1.3 mm) | High-deposition flat/horizontal production on heavy structural plate. Requires high-amperage industrial feeder. Primarily for production shop use. |
- Why choose .035" Outershield 71M over .035" SuperArc L-56?
- FCAW-G delivers higher deposition at the same amperage and a slag blanket for better out-of-position puddle control. Use FCAW-G for higher deposition and positional consistency; use solid MIG when slag removal is undesirable or material is thin-gauge.
- What is the correct shielding gas flow rate?
- 40–50 CFH measured at the gun with a flow gauge. Excessive flow causes turbulence that introduces atmospheric contamination — more is not better.
- Does ED026804 require a special contact tip?
- Yes — use a .035" I.D. contact tip matched to the wire diameter. Mismatched tips cause erratic arcs and burnback. Use flux-cored-appropriate drive rolls (serrated or knurled V-groove, not smooth solid-MIG V-groove).
- Can I use Outershield 71M .035" on a 180A hobby welder?
- Yes, if the machine supports FCAW-G (gas solenoid, DCEP polarity). Machines like Lincoln Power MIG 180 Dual or 210 MP work. Many entry-level "flux core" machines are FCAW-S only (no gas) — verify before purchasing.
- Is .035" Outershield 71M suitable outdoors?
- With wind protection only. Wind disperses the gas shield, causing porosity. In windy outdoor environments, switch to self-shielded wire — NR-211-MP .035" for light gauge or NR-232-H for structural plate.
- What is the maximum plate thickness for .035" Outershield 71M?
- No hard maximum for multi-pass work, but most productive on up to 3/8" fillet welds. For heavier plate, step up to .045" (ED022659 or equivalent) for better deposition efficiency per pass.
Browse sibling wire PDPs: Outershield 71M Family Hub — all diameters and sizes | Innershield NR-211-MP .035" 10 lb (self-shielded alternative) | All Welding Wire
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