EM12K submerged arc wire contains higher levels of carbon, manganese, and silicon than EL12. The increased carbon content gives this wire greater tensile strength, while the increased manganese and silicon content yields improved deoxidation properties. EM12K will produce weld deposits with minimal porosity even over rust and mill scale that may be present on the base metal. This wire is primarily used for single pass butt and fillet welds on mild and low alloy steel plates up to 1/2” thick. More specific applications would include ASTM A537, A283, Grades A, B, or C. Since EM12K offers high strength/low porosity welds on many steel alloys, it is the most cost-efficient submerged arc wire to stock.