Lincoln Electric Outershield® 71M is Lincoln's most widely used gas-shielded flux-cored wire (FCAW-G), classified AWS A5.20 E71T-1C-J / E71T-9C-J / E71T-1M-J / E71T-9M-J and, under AWS A5.36, E71T1-C1A4-CS1-H16 / E71T1-M21A4-CS1-H16. The "71" prefix confirms all-position capability and minimum 70 ksi tensile strength. The "J" designation confirms impact toughness of ≥27 J (20 ft·lbf) at −29°C (−20°F). The H16 diffusible hydrogen designator confirms deposited weld metal hydrogen ≤16 mL/100g.
Outershield 71M uses a titania-based (rutile) slag system for excellent slag removal, smooth arc transfer, and consistent all-position performance on mild and low-alloy structural steel. It runs with either 100% CO₂ or 75% Ar / 25% CO₂ (C25) shielding gas and requires DCEP (DC+) polarity. WeldingMart is an authorized Lincoln Electric distributor — browse the full Outershield 71M family by diameter and package below, or browse all welding wire.
| AWS Classification | E71T-1C-J / E71T-9C-J / E71T-1M-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) |
| Base Metal | Mild and low-alloy carbon steel (A36, A572, A588) |
| Available Diameters | .035", .045", .052", 1/16" |
| Package Sizes | 10 lb spool, 25 lb spool, 33 lb spool, 50 lb coil, 500 lb Accu-Trak® drum |
| Shielding Gas | 100% CO₂ or 75% Ar / 25% CO₂ (C25); flow rate 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); typical 176–190 J at −18°C (J designation) |
| Deposit Composition (typical) | C 0.05–0.07%, Mn 1.04–1.60%, Si 0.25–0.50% |
| Conformances | AWS A5.20 / A5.36, ASME SFA-A5.20, ABS, LR, DNV, various classification society approvals |
Source: Lincoln Electric Outershield 71M product page
- Structural steel fabrication: Outershield 71M is one of the most widely specified FCAW-G wires for AWS D1.1 structural weldments — fillet welds, groove welds, and stiffener welds on A36, A572, and A588 plate and shapes. Consistent arc behavior and self-releasing slag support high-quality structural code work in shop environments.
- Bridge and heavy construction: The E71T-1/-9 classification satisfies many DOT and bridge specifications. The J-grade impact toughness extends usability to low-temperature structural applications. Horizontal and vertical-up weld positions are fully rated.
- Heavy equipment and crane manufacturing: High deposition rates and smooth arc transfer at .045"–.052" diameters support productive welding on booms, frames, chassis, and counterweights in flat and horizontal positions.
- Shipbuilding and barge construction: Classification society approvals (ABS, LR, DNV) support hull plate and stiffener welds in carbon and low-alloy steel. The 33 lb spool and 500 lb drum formats suit continuous-production shipyard welding cells.
- Pressure vessel and tank fabrication: Multi-pass capability and J-grade toughness support code-qualified groove welds on pressure vessels and tank shells where notch toughness is required by ASME or API standards.
- General plate welding and maintenance: Outershield 71M handles both single-pass fillet welds and multi-pass groove welds in shop repair environments. The .035" format on 10 lb spools gives maintenance welders a portable, manageable combination.
Outershield 71M requires DCEP (DC+) polarity and an external shielding gas supply.
Gas options and trade-offs:
- 100% CO₂ (C1 suffix): The "C" in E71T-9C-J indicates this wire is rated for 100% CO₂. Deeper penetration, lower gas cost. Some additional spatter compared to Ar/CO₂ mix. Best for structural production where spatter cleanup is manageable.
- 75% Ar / 25% CO₂ (M21 suffix): The "M" in E71T-9M-J indicates the M21 Ar/CO₂ mix. Smoother arc, lower spatter, flatter bead. Preferred for visible welds, out-of-position passes, and applications where spatter cleanup is time-intensive.
Flow rate: 40–50 CFH. Use a flow gauge, not just a regulator gauge, to verify actual flow at the gun. High cross-drafts in shop environments may require a slight windbreak to prevent shielding gas disruption.
| .035" (0.9 mm) | Light structural and maintenance applications; 100–200A range. Good for out-of-position work on thinner structural members. 10 lb spool format — see ED026804. |
|---|---|
| .045" (1.1 mm) | Most popular production diameter. 165–325A with 100% CO₂. Flat, horizontal, and out-of-position multi-pass structural welding. Highest combination of deposition and position versatility. |
| .052" (1.3 mm) | High-deposition flat and horizontal production. Deposition steps up significantly from .045". Suitable for large fillet welds and multi-pass groove welds in flat / horizontal positions on heavy plate. |
| 1/16" (1.6 mm) | Maximum deposition flat and horizontal production welding. Requires high-amperage industrial wire feeder and power source. Used in fabrication cells for heavy structural steel. |
- What does E71T-9C-J mean on Outershield 71M?
- "E7" = 70 ksi min tensile; "1" = all-position; "T" = tubular flux-cored; "9" = single and multi-pass with CVN requirement; "C" = 100% CO₂ shielding; "J" = impact toughness ≥27 J at −29°C. The companion "M-J" classification means the same wire is also approved for 75/25 Ar/CO₂ (M21).
- What is the difference between FCAW-G and FCAW-S?
- FCAW-G (Outershield 71M) needs external shielding gas and DCEP polarity — best for shop fabrication. FCAW-S (NR-232 or NR-211-MP) needs no gas, uses DCEN — best for outdoor field work. Not interchangeable.
- Can I use Outershield 71M without shielding gas?
- No. Running FCAW-G without gas produces severe porosity and poor mechanical properties. Use self-shielded wire (NR-211-MP or NR-232-H) for gasless welding.
- What is the best shielding gas?
- 75% Ar / 25% CO₂ for smoothest arc and lowest spatter. 100% CO₂ for maximum penetration at lower gas cost. Both are classified on the wire.
- Is Outershield 71M approved for AWS D1.1?
- Yes — E71T-1/-9 classification meets AWS D1.1 FCAW-G requirements. J-grade toughness supports notch-toughness provisions per D1.1 Annex.
- How does Outershield 71M compare to SuperArc L-56 for structural welding?
- FCAW-G delivers higher deposition rates and better out-of-position puddle control via slag blanket. Solid MIG (L-56) has no slag to clean, handles thin gauge, and costs less per spool. Choose FCAW-G for production structural welding; choose solid MIG for thin gauge or slag-free welds.
Browse sibling wire PDPs: Outershield 71M .035" 10 lb Spool (ED026804) | Innershield NR-232-H (self-shielded structural wire) | All Welding Wire
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