MIG Wire for Heavy Fabrication Applications

To improve productivity in robotic MIG welding, ESAB has launched OK Autrod 12.51 HP, an ER70S-6/G46 4 copper coated wire. OK Autrod 12.51 HP delivers a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa (67 ksi) and an impact toughness of 47 Joules (35 ft-lb) at -40 °C (-40 ºF), providing the desired mechanical properties for heavy fabrication, general construction and mobile machinery (“Yellow Goods”) applications.

Compared to competitive wires delivering a strength of 460 MPa (classified as G46 4), OK Autrod 12.51 HP is easier to set up and fine tune and enables welding at the higher end of the permissible range while maintaining a stable arc with little to no spatter. ESAB achieves advanced performance by tightly controlling the wire chemistry, its geometrical properties during drawing and the consistency of the copper coating.

“Users of other G46 4 wires may be able to switch to OK Autrod 12.51 HP without changing or revalidating the weld procedure qualification record so that they can increase their productivity,” says Raj Kumar Singh, Global Product Manager, Solid Wire, ESAB. “With a 1.2 mm (0.045 in.) wire, deposition rates of up to 8 kg per hour (17.6 lb/h) are possible welding at parameters of 35 volts and wire feed speeds of 15 meters per minute (591 inches/min). Because this new wire runs with the same characteristics as our proven OK Autrod 12.51, users can have confidence in its performance.”

OK Autrod 12.51 HP is available in diameters of 1.0 and 1.2 mm (0.040 and 0.045 in.) and packaged in18 kg (39 lbs.) spools or a Marathon Pac™ 250 kg (551 lbs.) bulk wire system.

(Source: ESAB Welding & Cutting Products)