FCAW is the acronym for flux-cored ace welding. It is an automatic and/or semi-automatic process of arc welding whereby a continuous supply of an electric current is used in the welding process. Flux welders must be knowledgeable enough to know how to control this, among a host of other skills.
Flux welding was developed in the mid-20th century. It was done so as an option to shielded metal arc welding, commonly referred to by its acronym, SMAW. Because flux welding doesn’t use stick electrodes, it is free from many of the restrictions associated with SMAW.
There are two types of flux welders. Following is a brief overview of each.
2 Types of Flux Welders
Flux Welders Who Work with No Shielding Gas: The first type of flux welder is one who works with no shielding gas. Flux welders can work without shielding gas because of the flux core in the electrode. This electrode contains a variety of elements that, when exposed to elevated temperatures, generates a shielding gas that protects the arc.
Flux welding of this type is a portable welder and offers excellent penetration of the base metals. Another advantage for flux welders who work with no shielding gas is that they can work under various types of conditions, eg, high winds. This comes in really handy in trades like construction, for example.
Flux Welders Who Use Shielding Gas: The second type of flux welder is one who works with shielding gas. This means that the gas supply comes from an outside source. This is also known as dual shield welding.
Flux welders of this type usually weld thicker sheets of metal than the ones mentioned above. They also work more with out-of-position metals. In fact, this type of welding was developed primarily to weld heavy, structured, out-of-position steel.
Flux welders generally work in a closed shop environment. You won’t find them in windy outside environments like their counterparts who work with no shielding gas.
Posted under flux welder
This post was written by admin on November 23, 2008
