Tough Flux-Cored Wire for Shipbuilding and Demanding Offshore Work

The business of offshore fabrication – one of the most unforgiving industrial environments – needs a tough welding wire that’s up to the task. Premium UltraCore® gas-shielded flux-cored wire from The Lincoln Electric Company (Cleveland, OH) creates a tough weld that stands up to temperature extremes, corrosive saltwater, constant moisture and other adverse conditions, while exceeding demanding industry requirements. Get tougher, higher quality welds in offshore and other environments where these attributes matter most.

Shipbuilding continues to be a critical industry segment for growth in the world’s economy. UltraCore HD Marine is the latest gas shielded flux-cored solution to support innovative shipbuilding solutions. The new electrode is designed to provide a flat bead shape when welding at high deposition rates in any position and features decreased spatter levels and low fume generation rates. Additionally, it meets the most applicable shipbuilding standards, including ABS, DNV, LR and BV.

Offering an increase in productivity and operator appeal when welding with 100 percent CO2, operators now have the capability of maintaining the perfect arc while welding in any position without changing their initial weld settings. Product family wires come in small 15 lb plastic spool packaging that increases ergonomic handling along with the mobility to easily maneuver around all sub-assemblies of a shipyard. These wires are offered in four distinct platforms. Individually, each platform provides unique advantages; together, they make up a complete portfolio of products to address every application requirement:

• Classic Series: For enhanced puddle control, this group of wires is an excellent choice for low to moderate wire feed speeds and voltage ranges. These wires produce great wet-in characteristics. Classic Series wires provide greater flexibility to manipulate the puddle.
• HD Series (High Deposition): For maximum weld position flexibility, a faster freezing slag and an optimized formulation produce higher deposition rates and a flat bead shape, even out-of-position. These fast freezing characteristics allow a welder to set procedures once and get high deposition rates regardless of welding position. The HD Series produces premium arc performance at moderate to high wire feed speed and voltage ranges.

When mechanical properties take on even greater significance:

• SR Series (Stress-Relieved): Optimized for heat treatment, this wire series maintains key mechanical properties before and after post-weld heat treatment. Like Classic Series wires with a similar slag system, SR Series wires perform best at low to moderate wire feed speed and voltage ranges.
• Plus Series: Tough at low temperatures, this series delivers unparalleled arc performance with comprehensive best-in-class properties, in both the as-welded and stress-relieved conditions. Plus Series wires maintain impact toughness at temperatures as low as -60 deg F (-51 deg C), and all are designated H4, meaning each offers a low diffusible hydrogen level of 4 ml per 100 g of deposited weld metal. This series performs best at moderate to high wire feed speed and voltage ranges. Q2 lot testing is standard for Plus Series wires. That means every batch of material you buy is lot controlled with actual composition and mechanical properties. These Q2 lot certs are readily available on www.lincolnelectric.com.

Whether looking for a flux-cored wire with robust mechanicals, higher deposition rates, a fluid slag for easy puddle manipulation, or industry-leading documentation, an UltraCore wire can meet your needs, whether it be weld decking, piping, or TKY joints.

The Lincoln Electric Company, 22801 Saint Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44117-1199, 888-355-3212, www.lincolnelectric.com.