the description

Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW or FCA) is a semi-automatic or automatic arc welding process. FCAW requires a continuously-fed consumable tubular electrodecontaining a flux and a constant-voltage or, less commonly, a constant-current welding power supply. An externally supplied shielding gas is sometimes used, but often the flux itself is relied upon to generate the necessary protection from the atmosphere, producing both gaseous protection and liquid slagprotecting the weld. The process is widely used in construction because of its high welding speed and portability.

FCAW was first developed in the early 1950s as an alternative to shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). The advantage of FCAW over SMAW is that the use of the stick electrodes used in SMAW is unnecessary. This helped FCAW to overcome many of the restrictions associated with SMAW.

Advantages and applications

• FCAW may be an "all-position" process with the right filler metals (the consumable electrode)
• No shielding gas needed with some wires making it suitable for outdoor welding and/or windy conditions
• A high-deposition rate process (speed at which the filler metal is applied) in the 1G/1F/2F
• Some "high-speed" (e.g., automotive) applications
• As compared to SMAW and GTAW, there is less skill required for operators.
• Less precleaning of metal required
• Metallurgical benefits from the flux such as the weld metal being protected initially from external factors until the slag is chipped away
• Porosity chances very low

Used on the following alloys:

• Mild and low alloy steels
• Stainless steels
• Some high nickel alloys
• Some wearfacing/surfacing alloy