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AWS A5.18 / ASME SFA-5.18 · Metal-cored wire (MCAW)

E70C-6M Metal-Cored Welding Wire

E70C-6M is a metal-cored welding wire classified to AWS A5.18 for carbon and carbon-manganese steel — a tubular wire filled with metal powder rather than flux, depositing weld metal with a minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi (490 MPa) under an argon-CO₂ mix on DC electrode positive, and combining the near-slagless deposit of a solid wire with deposition rates and gap-bridging closer to a flux-cored wire.

  • Carbon and carbon-manganese steel, high-productivity fabrication
  • Metal-cored wire (MCAW)
  • EN ISO 17632-A
  • 6 ESAB grades
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Price on request. POFIS is an ESAB Authorized Distributor & Service Centre in Abu Dhabi — quotations include confirmed lead time and delivery terms.

The designation

What E70C-6M means

E
An electrode for arc welding.
70
Minimum tensile strength of the deposited weld metal in thousands of pounds per square inch — 70,000 psi, which is 490 MPa.
C
Composite, meaning metal-cored: a metal sheath filled with metallic powder and arc stabilisers rather than slag-forming flux. This is the letter that distinguishes it from both S (solid) and T (flux-cored).
6
The chemistry designator, matching ER70S-6 solid wire — the highest manganese and silicon of the carbon steel grades, which deoxidise the pool and let the wire tolerate mill scale and light rust.
M
Classified under an argon-CO₂ mix rather than pure CO₂. Most metal-cored wires are M-classified, and several are not classified for CO₂ at all.
EN T-prefix
EN ISO 17632-A classifies these as tubular wires with a T prefix — T 46 4 M M21 2 H5 and similar — grouping them with flux-cored. The M in the EN string is the metal-cored designator. AWS files them with solid wire, EN with tubular. Same product, two filing systems.

Reading the E70C-6M designation, left to right.

How it behaves

E70C-6M in practice

Metal-cored sits between solid and flux-cored, and takes from both

A solid wire deposits clean metal with no slag but a narrow arc and limited gap-bridging. A flux-cored wire deposits fast and bridges well but leaves slag to chip off every pass. A metal-cored wire is a tube filled with metal powder: the extra metal in the core raises deposition rate and widens the arc, while the absence of slag-forming flux means almost nothing to clean. On high-volume fabrication where cleaning time is a real cost, that combination is the reason to buy it.

Where the productivity actually comes from

Two places. First, the core is metal, so more of the wire ends up as weld metal rather than slag. Second, the current flows through the sheath rather than the whole cross-section, which raises current density and deposition rate at a given wire feed speed. The practical result is more metal per hour than a solid wire of the same diameter, with a broader, more forgiving arc that bridges gaps a solid wire would fall through.

Silica islands, and why one grade exists to avoid them

Metal-cored wires leave small glassy silica deposits on the bead rather than a slag blanket. They are easy to remove but they are not nothing — on a surface that will be painted or coated, they have to come off, and on multi-pass work they must not be welded over. ESAB makes Coreweld 46 LS specifically to give a very low amount of silica on the weld surface, which is a meaningful saving where the finish matters.

It is a robotic and mechanised wire first

Several of these grades are described for robotic or automated welding of single and multi-pass fillet welds. The combination of high deposition, wide tolerant arc and minimal cleaning is worth most where a machine is running continuously and any stoppage costs cycle time. For manual positional work the case is weaker — flux-cored slag actively supports the pool out of position in a way metal-cored does not.

Fume, and a grade that addresses it

Manganese in welding fume is under increasing regulatory pressure, and ESAB has responded across several ranges. Coreweld 46 RMn is designed to give both low manganese and low total fume levels, and ESAB states explicitly that it will assist in meeting new, stricter health and safety regulations without compromising mechanical properties or welding performance. Where an HSE assessment has flagged fume exposure, this is the metal-cored answer — as Dual Shield 46M RMn is for flux-cored and OK 48.10 RMn for stick.

What POFIS supplies

ESAB E70C-6M grades

Every grade below carries the E70C-6M classification, which is why a WPS naming E70C-6M can be satisfied by any of them. They are not interchangeable in practice — the differences in current type, hydrogen level and impact toughness are what decide which one belongs on your job. Figures are the manufacturer's typical as-welded values.

E70C-6M grades supplied by POFIS — typical as-welded properties. Blank cells are values the manufacturer does not publish for that grade, not zeros.
Grade Classification Diffusible H₂YieldTensileElong.Impact (lowest published)
Coreweld 46 LS POFIS recommends E70C-6M H4 (AWS A5.18) T 46 4 M M20 2 H5 / T 46 4 M M21 2 H5 < 4 ml/100g485 MPa545 MPa29 %72 J at −40 °C
OK Tubrod 14.13 E70C-6M (AWS A5.18) T 42 2 M M21 2 H5 < 5 ml/100g503 MPa611 MPa26 %85 J at −29 °C
Coreweld 46 RMn E70C-6M H4 (AWS A5.18) T 46 4 M M21 2 H5 < 4 ml/100g475 MPa535 MPa28 %110 J at −40 °C
OK Tubrod 14.10 E70C-6M H4 (AWS A5.18) T 46 4 M M21 2 H5 —485 MPa570 MPa28.9 %75 J at −40 °C
OK Tubrod 14.11 E70C-6M H4 (AWS A5.18) T 42 4 M M21 3 H5 —453 MPa558 MPa32 %55 J at −40 °C
OK Tubrod 14.12 E70C-6M (AWS A5.18) T 42 2 M C1 1 H10 / T 42 2 M M21 1 H10 < 10 ml/100g481 MPa586 MPa27 %82 J at −29 °C

Coreweld 46 LS E70C-6M H4 (AWS A5.18)

Gives a very low amount of silica on the weld surface, cutting cleaning time before painting or coating. Designed for thin plate from 1 mm as well as thicker sections, with a wider arc that bridges larger gaps than solid wire. The widest diameter range here.

Diameters
1.2 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm
Alloy type
C Mn steel
Type
Metal-cored, Ar/CO₂ shielded
Source
ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 1-72

OK Tubrod 14.13 E70C-6M (AWS A5.18)

The strongest deposit here at 503 MPa yield and 611 MPa tensile, with 106 J at −20 °C. M21 only. Diameters below 1.4 mm are all-positional except vertical-down.

Diameters
1.2 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm
Alloy type
C Mn
Type
Metal-cored, M21 only
Source
ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 1-82

Coreweld 46 RMn E70C-6M H4 (AWS A5.18)

Designed for low manganese and low total fume levels — ESAB states it will assist in meeting stricter health and safety regulations without compromising performance. Also the best low-temperature toughness here at 110 J at −40 °C.

Diameters
1.2 mm
Alloy type
C Mn steel
Type
Metal-cored, reduced Mn fume, M21
Source
ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 1-73

OK Tubrod 14.10 E70C-6M H4 (AWS A5.18)

The M21 general-purpose grade at 485 MPa yield and 570 MPa tensile with 75 J at −40 °C. A straightforward choice where neither silica level nor fume is the deciding factor.

Diameters
1.2 mm
Alloy type
C Mn
Type
Metal-cored, M21 only
Source
ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 1-79

OK Tubrod 14.11 E70C-6M H4 (AWS A5.18)

Described for robotic or automated single and multi-pass fillet welds in the downhand and horizontal-vertical positions. Usable on M12 as well as M21, in 1.2 and 1.4 mm.

Diameters
1.2 mm, 1.4 mm
Alloy type
C Mn
Type
Metal-cored, M12 / M21, robotic fillet welding
Source
ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 1-80

OK Tubrod 14.12 E70C-6M (AWS A5.18)

The only grade here classified for pure CO₂ as well as M21 — the option where a site runs CO₂ and changing gas is impractical. Note H10 rather than H5, a higher hydrogen level than the rest of this group.

Diameters
1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.6 mm
Alloy type
C Mn
Type
Metal-cored, M21 or C1
Source
ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 1-81

Diameters are listed from the manufacturer's deposition data. Ordering part numbers and pack sizes are confirmed with your quotation — send the grade and diameters you need to weldiv@pofis.ae.

Specifying

Which E70C-6M grade to specify

Where surface finish matters

Coreweld 46 LS gives a very low amount of silica on the weld surface, which directly reduces cleaning before painting or coating. It is designed for thin plate from 1 mm upwards as well as thicker sections, and the wider arc bridges larger gaps than a solid wire. 1.2 mm to 1.6 mm, under 4 ml/100 g hydrogen, 485 MPa yield and 72 J at −40 °C.

For the strongest deposit

OK Tubrod 14.13 gives the highest figures here at 503 MPa yield and 611 MPa tensile, with 106 J at −20 °C and 85 J at −29 °C, under 5 ml/100 g hydrogen. M21 only. Diameters below 1.4 mm are all-positional except vertical-down, which is worth noting if the work moves out of the flat.

Where fume exposure is the constraint

Coreweld 46 RMn is designed for low manganese and low total fume while holding the E70C-6M classification, at 475 MPa yield with 120 J at −20 °C and 110 J at −40 °C — the best low-temperature toughness in this group. Supplied in 1.2 mm, M21 only.

For robotic fillet welding

OK Tubrod 14.11 is described for robotic or automated single and multi-pass fillet welds in the downhand and horizontal-vertical positions, usable on M12 as well as M21, in 1.2 and 1.4 mm. OK Tubrod 14.10 is the M21 general-purpose equivalent at 485 MPa yield and 75 J at −40 °C.

If CO₂ is the only gas available

OK Tubrod 14.12 is the one grade here classified for C1 as well as M21, which makes it the option where a site runs pure CO₂ and changing gas is not practical. Note that its figures differ between gases and that it is classified H10 rather than H5 — a higher hydrogen level than the rest of this group. 1.0 mm to 1.6 mm, with diameters below 1.4 mm all-positional.

When flux-cored is the better answer

If the work is heavy positional welding — vertical-up fill on thick section, overhead — a rutile flux-cored wire such as E71T-1 forms a slag that physically supports the pool against gravity. Metal-cored does not, and out of position it behaves more like a solid wire. Choose metal-cored for productivity and cleanliness in the flat and horizontal; choose flux-cored when gravity is working against you.

Storage & handling

Storing and handling E70C-6M consumables

Confirm the gas before the wire arrives

Most grades here are M21 only and are not classified for pure CO₂; OK Tubrod 14.12 is the exception. A site running CO₂ for its solid-wire work cannot simply put an M-classified metal-cored wire on the same supply and expect the published properties. This is an easy mismatch to make at the ordering stage and an expensive one to find on delivery.

Liners and tips wear differently

A tubular wire is softer than a solid one of the same diameter and the sheath carries the current, so feeding behaviour and contact tip wear are not identical to solid wire. Match the drive rolls to the wire type, keep the gun as straight as the job allows, and replace liners on a schedule rather than waiting for feeding problems that then get blamed on the wire.

Frequently asked

E70C-6M — common questions

What is metal-cored wire?

A tubular wire — a metal sheath filled with metallic powder and arc stabilisers rather than slag-forming flux. It deposits more metal per hour than a solid wire of the same diameter with a broader, more gap-tolerant arc, while leaving almost no slag to clean. AWS classifies it as E70C-6M under A5.18 alongside solid wire; EN ISO classifies it under 17632-A with a T prefix alongside flux-cored.

What is the difference between metal-cored and flux-cored wire?

What is in the tube. A flux-cored wire is filled with slag-forming flux that supports the weld pool out of position and leaves slag to chip off. A metal-cored wire is filled with metal powder, so almost all of it becomes weld metal and there is no slag blanket — just small silica islands. Metal-cored wins on productivity and cleanliness in the flat and horizontal; flux-cored wins on heavy positional work, because its slag physically supports the pool against gravity.

What is the difference between metal-cored and solid wire?

Deposition rate and arc shape. Current flows through the sheath of a metal-cored wire rather than the whole cross-section, raising current density and deposition at a given wire feed speed, and the arc is broader and better at bridging gaps. The deposit chemistry is comparable — E70C-6M matches ER70S-6 — and both leave essentially no slag, though metal-cored produces more silica islands.

Can metal-cored wire be used with CO₂?

Only if the grade is classified for it. Most metal-cored wires are M-classified for an argon-CO₂ mix, and in the ESAB range here only OK Tubrod 14.12 is also classified for C1 pure CO₂. A site running CO₂ cannot simply put an M-classified wire on the same gas and expect the published properties. Confirm the gas at the ordering stage.

Can metal-cored wire be welded out of position?

Within limits, and it depends on diameter. ESAB notes that diameters below 1.4 mm are all-positional for OK Tubrod 14.12, and all-positional except vertical-down for OK Tubrod 14.13. But metal-cored has no slag to support the pool against gravity, so for heavy positional work — vertical-up fill on thick section, overhead — a rutile flux-cored wire is the better tool.

What are the silica islands on a metal-cored weld?

Small glassy silicon-oxide deposits left on the bead surface instead of a slag blanket. They are easy to remove, but they must come off before painting or coating and must not be welded over on multi-pass work. ESAB makes Coreweld 46 LS specifically to minimise them, which is a real saving where the finish matters.

Is there a low-fume metal-cored wire?

Coreweld 46 RMn is designed to give both low manganese and low total welding fume, and ESAB states it will assist in meeting new, stricter health and safety regulations without compromising mechanical properties or welding performance. It also returns the best low-temperature toughness in this group, at 110 J at −40 °C.

Who supplies metal-cored welding wire in Abu Dhabi?

POFIS supplies the ESAB Coreweld and OK Tubrod metal-cored ranges from Abu Dhabi across the UAE and the wider GCC, as an ESAB Authorized Distributor and Service Centre, approved ADNOC vendor and ISO 9001 certified supplier. Tell us the shielding gas, the diameter and whether surface finish or fume is a constraint and we will confirm the grade. Email weldiv@pofis.ae.

Procurement & supply

Buying the E70C-6M consumables through POFIS

The E70C-6M consumables is supplied from Abu Dhabi by Perfect Oilfield & Industrial Supply LLC as an ESAB Authorized Distributor and Service Centre. The information below covers what procurement and QA/QC departments normally need before raising a purchase order.

Lead time

Stock items dispatch from Abu Dhabi within 24–48 hours. Indent items are quoted with a confirmed lead time at the time of offer.

Approved vendor status

POFIS is an approved ADNOC vendor and is listed on the approved vendor lists (AVL) of major operators and EPC contractors across the GCC. We can complete supplier registration and prequalification documentation on request.

Payment terms

Standard credit terms are available to registered corporate accounts. LPO, LC and advance payment are all accepted.

Delivery terms

Delivery across the UAE and the wider GCC. Quotations can be issued on EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP terms to suit your project.

Warranty

Full manufacturer warranty, honoured locally. As an ESAB Authorized Service Centre we carry out warranty work and repairs in Abu Dhabi rather than returning equipment abroad.

Service & spares

In-UAE service, commissioning, operator training and spare parts backing for every machine we supply.

  • ISO 9001 Certified
  • Approved ADNOC Vendor
  • ESAB Authorized Distributor & Service Centre

Price on request

Request a quotation for the E70C-6M filler metals

Send the form and the POFIS welding division replies with pricing, confirmed lead time, delivery terms and availability. Tell us who you are and what the job is, so the reply can be specific to it rather than a catalogue price list.

Received by the POFIS welding division and answered by email or phone, usually within one working day.

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