Flux cored arc welding (FCAW)

Understanding flux cored arc welding (FCAW)

Today I will be discussing the definition, applications, diagram, equipment, advantages, and disadvantages of flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). Previously, some articles were published on arc welding. checkout!

Flux cored arc welding (FCAW)

Contents

What is Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)?

Flux-cored arc welding is another type of arc welding process that uses consumable electrodes that contain flux around it. it is known as a semi-automatic or automatic arc welding process. The coalescence of metal is produced by heating with an arc between a continuously fed electrode and the base metals. The shielding is obtained by the flux in the electrode. The additional shield may and may not be added from an externally supplied inert gas. That is, shielding gas is supplied from an external source such as a gas cylinder or a shield flux coated around the electrode which is deposited when melted.

Read more: Top Lists of Best Cheap Welders

The flux melts together with the electrode during the welding process and shields the joint, granting the entire weld area with shielding gas. It protects the welds pool from the atmosphere.

Applications

The followings are the applications of FCAW:

  • This arc welding process is found important in the shipbuilding industry as it saves huge labor costs.
  • It is also used in many construction industries in the welding aspect.
  • It is widely applicable in mechanical industries.
  • FCAW can be used on plain carbon, alloy, stainless and duplex steels.
  • It is used for hard facing and surfacing.

Read more: different between welding and brazing joining process

Diagram of flux cored arc welding:

diagram of flux cored arc welding

Flux cored arc welding (FCAW)

Read more: 5 Different Types of Welding Joints

Working of FCAW

The working of flux-cored arc welding FCAW is less complex and can be easily understood. Unlike other arc welding process that uses AC or DC power supply, FCAW supplies power only from DC electric arc to the welding gun. The arc is produced when the gun is struck between the continuously fed consumable filler wire and the workpiece. It creates the weld pool and bonds when the pool solidifies.

Watch the video below to learn more about the working of flux-cored arc welding FCAW:

Read more: Understanding welding inspection

Advantages and disadvantages of flux cored arc welding (FCAW)

Advantages

Below are the advantages of FCAW:

  • It has different ways of supplying shielding gas
  • It may be applied to all welding position
  • Shielding gas is not needed for some of its wires are suitable in windy conditions
  • It has a high deposition rate
  • Chances of porosity are very low
  • Less cleaning of base metal

Disadvantages

Despite the great benefits of FCAW, some disadvantages still occur. Below are the limitations of flux-cored arc welding in their various applications.

  • It produces slag, which must be removed after welding
  • It produces more smoke which is hazardous to the welder
  • Cost of applied wire
  • It Is complex and more expensive
  • It produces more spatter

Read more: Different types of welding defects and remedies

That is all for this article, where the definition, applications, diagram, equipment, advantages, and disadvantages of flux core welding (FCAW) are being discussed. I hope you get a lot from the reading, if so, kindly share with other students. Thanks for reading, see you next time!


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *