S295229-S20 - Hobart SDX EM13K 3/32" Submerged Arc Wire 55lb Coil

Technical Overview of Hobart SDX EM13K

The Hobart SDX EM13K is a premium-quality, copper-coated solid wire designed specifically for the Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) process. Engineered to meet AWS A5.17 and A5.17M specifications, this wire falls under the EM13K classification, indicating a medium manganese and silicon composition. This chemical formulation is critical for industrial applications requiring robust mechanical properties and reliable deoxidation. The 3/32-inch (2.4 mm) diameter makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of plate thicknesses, balancing deposition rates with penetration depth.

One of the defining characteristics of the SDX EM13K is its nominal composition of approximately 1% manganese and 0.5% silicon. This balance allows the wire to function effectively with both neutral and active fluxes. When paired with the appropriate flux, the silicon and manganese act as deoxidizers, scavenging oxygen and impurities from the weld pool to prevent porosity and ensure sound metallurgical bonding. This makes the wire particularly suitable for welding over mild rust and mill scale, which are common in structural steel environments.

The wire is supplied in a 55 lb (25 kg) coil, a standard format for industrial SAW equipment, ensuring compatibility with most wire feeders and dereelers used in heavy fabrication. The copper coating serves a dual purpose: it protects the steel wire from oxidation during storage and significantly improves electrical conductivity at the contact tip. This results in stable arc initiation and consistent current transfer, which are essential for maintaining weld quality in automated setups.

Applications for the Hobart SDX EM13K are extensive, covering general structural fabrication, pressure vessel manufacturing, heavy equipment assembly, and pipe welding. It is suitable for both single-pass and multi-pass welding procedures. When used in multi-pass applications, the medium manganese content helps maintain tensile strength and impact toughness without excessive hardness buildup, provided the correct flux is selected to manage the alloy recovery.