Due to the competition in the structural steel industry, most of the contractors nowadays are shifting from using stick welding to flux-cored welding. If you are in the construction business, sticking to the use of flux-cored welding wires can help save on some costs and boost productivity.
The advancement in technology led to the introduction of FCAW wires that are self-shielded to help you enjoy better welding quality and performance. Using such wires not only saves you money but also time. Self-shielded flux core wires are made to simplify the welding process as well as boost the weld quality. The demand for these wires has therefore gone up since they appeal to numerous contractors and hobbyists alike.
If you want to try using such wires, you need first to understand the characteristics of the most common flux-cored welding wires available for you to choose the right one for a specific application. The two common types of flux-cored wires that most contractors choose for construction applications and welding are E71t gs and E71t 11. We will compare both brands to make your selection easier. The following table is a summary of how these two wires compare. Read on!
Comparison table
| Product | E71t gs | E71t 11 |
| Purpose | Single pass welding | Single and multi-pass welding |
| Rolls | 2 | 1 |
| Size | 0.030 | 0.035 |
| Weight | 4 pounds | 10 pounds |
| Check on Amazon | Check price here | Check price here |
How do E71t gs and e71t 11 compare?
Before we look into the difference between E71t gs and e71t 11, you need to understand how these two welding wires are similar. Both of them are self-shielded flux-cored wires. They come with an outer sheath and are filled with a compound known as flux. This is a mixture of deoxidizers and alloys which protect the weld from contaminants.
Unlike gas-shielded wires, E71t gs and e71t 11 do not need gas supply. It implies that you can use both of these welding wires outdoors. Since both of the wires generate the shielding gas, they are easy to move around. Despite these similarities, the two welding wires differ in relation to how they are used.
E71t gs is often used to weld thin gauge steel that range between 3/16″- 22 gauge. It is ideal for single welding and can be used over galvanized material as well as some aluminum surfaces. E71 t 11, on the other hand, is often used in the fabrication and erection of metals such as mild steel. It produces smooth weld deposits and offers great penetration. While E71t gs is suitable for single-pass welds, e71t 11 is designed for both single pass and multi-pass welds. It only welds plates that do not exceed 3/4″.
E71t gs
If you are searching for a good welding wire for a material such as mild steel, you need to consider this model. You can use this wire with either a flux core or a MIG welder. It is a high-quality flux-cored welding wire that is designed for gasless operations. This means that you don’t need any welding protection gases to prevent any dirt or air from interfering with your welding. It, therefore, saves you on some costs. This wire is also portable since you don’t need to keep on carrying around an external gas tank.
The flux-cored arc welding wire is also ideal for outdoor applications. When you are welding from a windy location, you don’t have to keep on setting up windshields with this self-shielded flux-cored wire. The wire offers an enhanced bead appearance and reduced clean up after welding. According to most of the reviews, numerous welders reveal that E 71t gs wires run much cleaner compared to some of the wires in the market.
It does a great job when it comes to fusing galvanized steel since the flux tends to eat the zinc. This minimizes the production of spatter and fumes that are common with the use of some wires. The welding wire also comes wrapped in some aluminum foil that prevents it from external hazards. It is ideal for general purpose steel welding applications. If you are working on thick steel metals, you will like the excellent penetration that this welding wire offers. The wire should be welded with straight polarity to minimize the likelihood of burn through. You will also enjoy the reasonable price of this flux-cored wire.
Pros
- It is affordable
- The wire can weld most steel as well as coatings
- It works on different plate thicknesses
- Produces low spatter
Cons
- Some welders report inconsistency in its use
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E71t 11
In some welding applications, the use of shielding gases is not practical. For instance, if you work in an area that experiences severe weather conditions, extreme wind may block the flow of gas and thus the need to choose a self-shielded welding wire. Logistic reasons can also make such a welding wire the best option for an outdoor construction project.
If you want to weld carbon steels, then you need to choose the right welding wire for you to enjoy quality welds. E71t 11 can help you achieve this. It works well on metals that are below 3 / 4″ thick. You should avoid using this welding wire on very thick steel plates. Like the first model we have discussed, this is also a self-shielding wire that saves you from carrying around an external gas tank.
Some people also use this welding wire to fabricate machinery parts, light structural frameworks as well as tanks. This model is suitable for both multi-pass and single welding. If you choose to use this welding wire to work on galvanized steel, you should pay close attention to ventilation since this model lacks fluoride compounds. During welding, the wire leads to the formation of zinc oxide, which can cause respiratory problems. Always wear a protective mask as you use this welding wire to prevent the inhalation of this gas as it is believed to cause metal fume fever. . If you choose to weld using this wire indoors, ensure that you have proper ventilation.
Unlike some of the welding wires, you should not experience any difficulties with slag removal, and the cleanup should also be a breeze. Always ensure that you use this welding wire with a CV power source. This power source offers the voltage required for enhanced arc performance. Unlike most of the wire filler metals, this should only be operated on straight polarity. If you don’t use the correct polarity, you may end up with a poor welding performance and have to deal with high spatter levels. After welding, store the wire away from moisture for you to enjoy great service for longer.
Pros
- It has a stable arc
- Produces less spatter
- The welding wire is user-friendly and forgiving to errors
- No problems with slag removal
Cons
- It sometimes produces a smelly metal smoke which can be quite irritating
Verdict
After careful elaboration, we discovered that fluxed cored welding wires are much better than the traditional solid wires that contractors have been relying on for years. Some of the flux-cored wires that continue becoming more popular each day include e71t gs and e71t 11. Understanding how these two welding wires differ can prevent you from poor quality welds.
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Though both of them are self-shielded flux-cored wires, they have some differences. Apart from being used in different fields, E71T 11 has to fulfill particular mechanical properties. Unlike e71t gs, e71t 11 should be able to conduct multi-pass welding. Though e71t gs does not have to go through mechanical testing, it does not mean that the electrode is not poor. After comparing the two, we concluded that e71t 11 is a better welding wire since it is easy to use, consistent, has a stable arc, and is forgiving when it comes to technical errors.
FAQs
What do the numbers and letters on welding wires represent
Each letter or number on a welding wire stands for something. For instance, if we consider an example of the e71t gs welding wire, E represents the current-carrying electrode, 7 is the tensile strength, 1 is the welding position (all position) while t is the tubular electrode (flux-cored). G represents the classification, which in this case, is general while the s represents single pass applications.
Why do I need a welding wire?
During welding, the wire forms the main source of heat. It offers the filler material that you need to reinforce the joint that you have welded. You should choose the same size of the welding wire as the contact tip. Ensure that your welding wire is also compatible with the material you are welding.
Is it possible to use a flux core wire when I have a MIG welder?
Yes. Sometimes, welders use flux core welding wires in MIG welders when the external gas supply is available.
What protective equipment and clothing do I need before I start welding?
Welding can expose you to open flames, hot metal, and sparks and UV radiation. You should, therefore, wear heavy cotton clothes, a helmet, goggles, and a hand shield to protect every body part.