Lincoln Electric Lincore® 55-G is a gas-shielded, metal-cored hardfacing wire classified per EN 14700: T Fe2, engineered to produce a martensitic overlay deposit with a hardness of 50–57 HRC that resists metal-to-metal wear, sliding contact, and mild abrasion. Operating on DCEP (DC electrode positive) with CO₂ or Ar/CO₂ blended shielding gas, Lincore 55-G delivers higher deposition rates than stick electrodes with excellent process control in automated or semi-automatic applications. Its unlimited-layer capability (with proper preheat and interpass temperature management) allows rebuilding of worn components to full dimensional tolerance before returning them to service. Lincore 55-G produces a harder deposit than Lincore M and is the specification choice for components experiencing continuous sliding, rolling, or metal-to-metal contact rather than severe percussion impact.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Classification | EN 14700: T Fe2 |
| Available Diameters | 0.045 in (1.1 mm), 1/16 in (1.6 mm) |
| Shielding Gas | CO₂ or Ar/CO₂ blends |
| Polarity | DCEP (DC electrode positive) |
| Welding Position | Flat (PA / 1G) |
| Hardness (Layer 1) | 50–51 HRC |
| Hardness (Layer 2) | 53–54 HRC |
| Hardness (Layer 4) | 54–55 HRC |
| Microstructure | Martensitic — primary martensite with retained austenite and alloy carbides |
| Wear Type Resistance | Metal-to-metal sliding / rolling wear; mild abrasion |
| Layer Limitation | Unlimited layers with proper preheat / interpass temperature |
Lincore 55-G's EN 14700 T Fe2 classification and 50–57 HRC hardness range make it the preferred choice for components experiencing continuous metal-to-metal contact rather than high-energy percussion:
- Transfer rollers and guide rolls — steel mill roll tables, continuous casting pinch rolls, and wire rod guides where metal-to-metal sliding is constant
- Crane wheels and axle shafts — overhead crane runway wheels, bridge crane drives, and shaft journals worn by repeated contact cycling
- Conveyor and material-handling components — idler rolls, trunnions, and drive shafts in aggregate plants, cement mills, and mining operations
- Industrial drive components — gear journals, sprocket hubs, and bearing-journal surfaces requiring dimensional restoration to tight tolerances
- Bulk Tungsten Carbide process overlay — Lincore 55-G is specified as the matrix wire for the Lincoln Electric Bulk Tungsten Carbide (BTC) process, where its deposit bonds the carbide particles into a wear-resistant composite
The Lincore 55-G deposit consists primarily of martensite with a fine dispersion of alloy carbides — a microstructure engineered for metal-to-metal wear resistance rather than the high chromium-carbide or tungsten-carbide structures used for severe ground abrasion. The Fe2 classification per EN 14700 specifies the alloy system; Lincoln Electric's formulation achieves the harder end of the Fe2 range by optimizing carbon, chromium, and molybdenum content in the metal-cored design.
Because gas shielding is required, Lincore 55-G is best suited to shop or controlled-environment applications. Hardness builds slightly with additional layers (50–51 HRC layer 1 → 54–55 HRC by layer 4) due to reduced dilution as the overlay thickness increases. For maximum abrasion resistance applications, consider Lincore 55 (self-shielded) or harder overlays; 55-G targets the metal-to-metal wear regime where hardness beyond 57 HRC is not required and where unlimited layering is needed. Per Lincoln Electric product documentation, Lincore 55-G can be used with the Bulk Tungsten Carbide process, where it serves as the matrix that bonds tungsten carbide particles into a composite overlay for extreme abrasion resistance.
| Diameter | Polarity | Gas | WFS (in/min) | Voltage (V) | Current (A) | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.045 in (1.1 mm) | DCEP | CO₂ or Ar/CO₂ | 48–90 | 24–30 | 350–625 | Flat only |
| 1/16 in (1.6 mm) | DCEP | CO₂ or Ar/CO₂ | 40–65 | 26–32 | 475–800 | Flat only |
Lincore 55-G is engineered to resist metal-to-metal wear (sliding and rolling contact) and mild abrasion. Its 50–57 HRC hardness range and martensitic-carbide microstructure are optimized for surfaces that experience continuous friction against other metallic surfaces — such as crane wheels, transfer rollers, and shaft journals — rather than the severe ground abrasion that higher-chrome wires like Lincore 60-G address.
Yes — Lincore 55-G is a gas-shielded wire (FCAW-G) that requires CO₂ or an Ar/CO₂ blend shielding gas. For the self-shielded version, see Lincore 55 (FCAW-S). The gas-shielded 55-G typically delivers better process control, cleaner weld surfaces, and slightly higher hardness compared to the self-shielded Lincore 55 formulation.
Lincore 55-G supports unlimited layers when proper preheat and interpass temperature procedures are followed. Lincoln Electric recommends a preheat of approximately 200 °C for carbon and low-alloy steel substrates, with interpass temperature controlled to manage heat buildup. Hardness increases incrementally from layer 1 (~50–51 HRC) to layer 4+ (~54–55 HRC) as dilution decreases with increasing overlay thickness.
Yes — Lincoln Electric specifically recommends Lincore 55-G as a matrix wire for the Bulk Tungsten Carbide (BTC) process. In this application, crushed tungsten carbide particles are fed into the weld pool ahead of the wire; the 55-G deposit bonds the carbide particles into a wear-resistant composite overlay that outperforms either the carbide or the wire deposit alone. This is used on extreme wear surfaces such as dredge pump impellers and drill stabilizers.
Lincore M is a self-shielded wire that deposits a soft (18–28 HRC), work-hardening austenitic manganese alloy — best for severe impact applications like crusher jaws and railroad crossings. Lincore 55-G deposits a hard (50–57 HRC) martensitic alloy with gas shielding — better for metal-to-metal sliding contact where consistent hardness in the as-welded condition is required. Choose Lincore M for impact; choose Lincore 55-G for sliding wear.
Browse the full welding wire collection, or see related hardfacing products: Lincore M for impact/austenitic manganese applications, or Lincore 50 (FCAW-S) for self-shielded abrasion-resistant overlay.