Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) Process

Introduction

Flux cored arc welding (FCAW) is an arc welding process in which the heat for welding is produced by an arc between a continuously fed tubular electrode wire and the work. Shielding is obtained by a flux contained within the tubular electrode wire or by the flux and an externally supplied shielding gas

Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW or FCA) is a semi-automatic or automatic arc welding process.  FCAW requires a continuously-fed consumable tubular electrode containing 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 slag protecting the weld. The process is widely used in construction because of its high welding speed and portability.

Flux cored arc welding is widely used for welding ferrous metals and is particularly good for applications where high deposition rates are desirable.

There are two basic process variants;

  • Self shielded FCAW (without shielding gas)
  • Gas shielded FCAW (with shielding gas).

The difference in the two is due to different fluxing agents in the consumables, which provide different benefits to the user. Usually, self-shielded FCAW is used in outdoor conditions where wind would blow away a shielding gas. The fluxing agents in self shielded FCAW are designed to not only deoxidize the weld pool but also to allow for shielding of the weld pool and metal droplets from the atmosphere.

What Is FCAW Process?

The flux in gas-shielded FCAW provides for deoxidation of the weld pool and, to a smaller degree than in self-shielded FCAW, provides secondary shielding from the atmosphere. The flux is designed to support the weld pool for out-of position welds. This variation of the process is used for increasing productivity of out-of-position welds and for deeper penetration.

Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) utilizes a continuously-fed tubular electrode, electrical power to melt the electrode, and may or may not use shielding gas from an externally supplied source when depositing material in the weld joint. The flux-cored electrode is a composite tubular filler metal consisting of a metal sheath with a core of mineral compounds and powdered metals.  The resulting weld bead is covered by a residual slag (melted and solidified flux) which helps to protect and shape the finished weld, and is generally easily removed upon completion of the weld. Flux Cored Welding combines the high productivity of MIG welding using a solid electrode with the ability to weld on more contaminated base material. When compared with MIG welding, higher deposition rates are possible, especially when welding out of position.

There are three types of flux-cored wires available:

  1. Gas-shielded all position
  2. Gas shielded flat position
  3. Self-shielded

Each has its own advantages.

The type of Flux Cored Welding wire used depends on the welding position, the mechanical properties required, the type of joint and its fit-up, and the environment in which the welding is to be performed. Generally, self-shielded wires are used for welding outside or for special applications such as welding galvanized steel. Among the most common are outdoor construction and fabrication in areas where gas cylinders and gas shielding cannot be readily used. Gas-shielded flux-cored wires are used in operations such as shop fabrication, maintenance, and shipbuilding. Flux-cored wire welding is especially useful where the base material to be welded has some amount of scale, rust or other surface contaminants present. With the proper selection of wire type and shielding gas, weld properties are excellent for many types of materials.

The power supply for a FCAW, and a MIG welder, are the same machine. They are both considered semi automatic processes, and have a very high production rate. The main difference between flux cored arc welding and  MIG welding is the way the electrode is shielded from the air.

Equipment of GMAW Process

All-position wires (E-71T-1) are typically smaller than 1/16” in diameter and are formulated with a fast-freeze flux.

Flat-position wires (E-70) can be utilized in the flat or horizontal welding positions. They are typically greater than 1/16” diameter and are primarily applied for high deposition welding on thicker base materials (>1/4”)

Generator and Alternator Welding Machines

Power Supply

Air/Water-cooled gun.

Water Circulators

Wires

Benefits of FCAW Process

  • High-quality weld deposit with excellent appearance
  • Can be used to join many types of metals over a wide thickness range
  • Relatively high electrode efficiency and process duty cycle
  • Excellent weld penetration simplifies joint design
  • The arc is visible and easy to use
  • Because of its greater tolerance for base plate contamination, Flux Cored Welding requires less pre-cleaning than MIG
  • Deposition rate is up to four times greater than Stick Welding
  • The use of self-shielded electrodes eliminates the need for flux handling or gas apparatus, and is more tolerant of windy conditions present in outdoor construction than gas-shielded processes

Limitations of FCAW Process

  • Presently limited to welding ferrous metals and nickel-based alloys
  • Process produces a slag covering that must be removed
  • Flux Cored Welding electrode wire is more expensive on a weight basis than solid electrode wires, except for some high alloy steels
  • Equipment is more expensive and complex than required for Stick Welding; however, increased productivity usually compensates for this
  • In general, more fume is generated than with MIG welding