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Article Summary
Techniques for Tackling T-8 Wire
- Understanding the causes of rejects with T-8 wires
- Maintaining proper electrode stick-out and travel angle
- Proper equipment makes flux cored welding easier
Customer Testimonial
“Perhaps more than any other tubular electrode, these wires demand special considerations—in both technique and equipment—for obtaining good results.”
— Greg Metko, welding engineer, Miller Electric Mfg. Co.
Application
Welding structural steel in buildings, bridges, civil construction and infrastructure applications.
Key Business Issue
Maximizing use of flux cored welding to increase productivity and meeting weld code/procedure requirements.
Challenge
- Obtaining consistent weld quality with AWS E71T-8 self-shielded flux cored wire, which is notoriously difficult to use.
Previous System & Process
- Improper welding technique, inaccurate weld parameter settings.
New Solution
- Good welding techniques, as taught by Greg Metko during the Ironworkers “train the trainer” sessions for 12 consecutive years.
- Miller SuitCase X-TREME 12VS feeders paired with welders such as an XMT inverter or Trailblazer engine drive.
Results
- More welds passing inspection. Proper technique prevents porosity, insufficient penetration, convex or “ropey” beads, and it prevents the wire from stubbing into the work plate (“gun buck”).
- More productive and satisfied operators. Flux cored welding generally increases productivity 25 to 40% compared to Stick welding, but only if operators can run T-8 wires successfully. Greg Metko's advice provides a solid foundation for success, and it can help operators pass their weld tests more easily.
