FCAW

Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) is a semi-automatic or automatic arc welding process. FCAW requires a continuously fed consumable tubular flux filled electrode, and a constant voltage or less commonly a constant current welding power supply. An external supply of shielding gas is sometimes used depending on the type of FCAW wire used. This gas helps protect the molten weld pool from the atmospheres damaging effects. More commonly used in the field however is self shielded flux core wire, this wire does not need inert gas and provides its own atmospheric shielding.

FCAW was first developed in the 1950s as an alternative to SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding). The advantages of FCAW over SMAW include the lack of welding "sticks or rods". This enables the welder to very quickly and efficiently weld large amounts of joints in a short amount of time.

A Drawing of FCAW process at the weld point:

FCAW image

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Typical Equipment used with FCAW: