Lincoln Electric Lincore® M is a self-shielded, open-arc flux-cored wire engineered to deposit a high-manganese austenitic weld overlay that resists severe impact wear and moderate abrasion. Classified per DIN 8555-83: MF6-GF-45-KP, Lincore M produces a deposit containing approximately 13 % manganese that work-hardens dramatically under repeated impact loading — starting at 18–28 HRC as deposited and rising to 30–48 HRC in service as the austenitic microstructure transforms to martensite at the wear surface. This unique work-hardening behavior makes Lincore M the correct choice for rebuilding Hadfield-type austenitic manganese steel components, including crusher jaws, rail crossings, and mining bucket lips that must absorb high-energy impacts without cracking.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Classification | DIN 8555-83: MF6-GF-45-KP |
| Available Diameter | 2.0 mm (approximately 5/64 in) |
| Shielding Gas | None — self-shielded open-arc (FCAW-S) |
| Polarity | DCEP (DC electrode positive) |
| Welding Position | Flat (PA / 1G) |
| Hardness As-Deposited | 18–28 HRC |
| Hardness Work-Hardened (in service) | 30–48 HRC |
| Carbon (C) | ~0.6 % |
| Manganese (Mn) | ~13.0 % |
| Silicon (Si) | ~0.4 % |
| Chromium (Cr) | ~4.9 % |
| Nickel (Ni) | ~0.5 % |
| Microstructure | Austenitic manganese (Hadfield-type) |
Lincore M's austenitic manganese deposit is specifically formulated for applications dominated by severe impact rather than pure sliding abrasion. It is the industry-standard choice for rebuilding manganese steel components because the deposit composition closely matches Hadfield-type base metal, ensuring metallurgical compatibility:
- Mining and aggregate crushing — jaw crusher cheek plates, cone crusher mantles and bowls, impact crusher blow bars and aprons
- Railroad track components — frog hearts, switch points, and crossing diamonds manufactured from Hadfield manganese steel
- Construction and quarrying equipment — bucket teeth, dipper lips, cutting edges, and rock box liners on excavators and loaders
- Recycling and shredding — hammer mill hammers, shredder grates, and liner plates subject to repeated high-velocity impacts
- Carbon and low-alloy steel buildup — re-establishing dimensional tolerances on heavy components before applying a final hardfacing overlay
Lincore M deposits an austenitic manganese alloy: in its as-welded state the deposit is relatively soft (18–28 HRC) and highly ductile, which is critical for absorbing the first impact without cracking. Under service loading, the austenite at the wear surface transforms to a harder martensite phase (work-hardening effect), and hardness climbs to 30–48 HRC. This behavior is unique to high-manganese austenitic steels and cannot be replicated by carbide-based hardfacing wires.
When rebuilding Hadfield manganese components, preheat is generally not required when surfacing austenitic substrates. However, interpass temperature should be limited to approximately 260 °C (500 °F) for manganese steels to prevent austenite decomposition. For carbon or low-alloy steel base metals, a preheat of 200 °C is typically sufficient depending on chemistry and section thickness. Lincoln Electric recommends applying a standard austenitic manganese buffer layer (such as Lincore M) before depositing harder overlay products. Per Lincoln Electric Lincore M product documentation, deposits are limited by layer count and interpass temperature control to avoid embrittlement of the austenitic matrix.
| Diameter | Polarity | Gas | WFS (in/min) | Voltage (V) | Current (A) | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 mm (5/64 in) | DCEP | None (open arc) | 50–140 | 25–32 | 250–450 | Flat only |
Lincore M is used for rebuilding and hardfacing of Hadfield-type austenitic manganese steel components such as crusher jaws, railroad frogs, and mining bucket lips. It is also used for buildup on carbon and low-alloy steel parts that experience severe impact wear. The deposit work-hardens under impact, rising from 18–28 HRC as deposited to 30–48 HRC in service.
No. Lincore M is a self-shielded, open-arc FCAW-S wire. No external shielding gas is required. The flux inside the tubular wire provides the arc shielding and produces the high-manganese deposit chemistry. This makes it convenient for field repair and remote locations.
Lincore M deposits an austenitic manganese alloy (~13 % Mn). In the as-welded condition, the austenite is soft (18–28 HRC) and ductile. When subjected to repeated impact loading in service, the mechanical energy causes the austenite at the surface to transform into harder martensite, increasing surface hardness to 30–48 HRC. This work-hardening mechanism is the defining property of Hadfield-type manganese steels — they get harder the harder you hit them.
The interpass temperature for Lincore M on Hadfield-type manganese steel base metal should be limited to approximately 260 °C (500 °F). Exceeding this temperature risks decomposition of the austenitic microstructure and embrittlement of the weld deposit. Allow the weld to cool between passes if necessary, and use thermocrayons or infrared thermometers to monitor interpass temperature.
Lincoln Electric specifies Lincore M for rebuild and buildup applications; layer count should be managed based on the end application and interpass temperature compliance. For final hardfacing overlays requiring maximum abrasion resistance, Lincore M is often applied as an intermediate buffer layer over carbon steel before depositing a harder overlay product such as Lincore 50 or Lincore 55-G.
Browse the full welding wire collection, or see related hardfacing products: Lincore 50 (34–56 HRC, self-shielded) for abrasion-resistant overlay, or Lincore 55-G (50–57 HRC, gas-shielded) for metal-to-metal wear resistance.