Headlines |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
More Headlines |  RSS Feed
|
||||||||||
Flux-cored arc welding
From GAWDAwiki
Flux-cored arc welding is generally considered an automatic or semiautomatic process because of the need for a continuously-fed electrode containing flux and a power supply (usually constant voltage).[2]
Contents |
Types of Flux-cored Arc Welding Electrodes
The first type of flux-cored arc welding electrode is self-shielding or sometimes branded as Inner Shield wire and does not use shielding gases because the flux acts as a shielding agent, making them unnecessary. This makes it a portable welding technique just like SMAW.
The second type is dual-shield and makes use of externally-provided shielding gases. This method is more popular when the metals to be joined are either very thick or out of position, but it is not suitable for environments in which wind could interfere with the shielding gases and lead to greater build-up of slag.[2]
Both these types of electrodes produce a slag over the weld the must be cleaned after the weld is finished.[3]
Advantages of Flux-cored Arc Welding
- Use of consumable electrodes makes flux-cored arc welding ideal for many positions.
- Welding may take place outside if shielding gases are not used.
8The highest deposition rate of all the manual welding processes.[4]
- Less pre-cleaning of metals is required than with some other methods.
- Low operator skill is required.[2]
Disadvantages of Flux-cored Arc Welding
- Incomplete fusion of base metals may occur.
- Melted contact tips may result without a steady hand.
- Equipment failures may lead to irregular wire feeding or porosity (if gases are not released correctly).
- Method is not suitable for welding metals that need to be painted.[2]
- Some electrodes are only designed for flat and horizontal welding.
- Porosity in the weld or worm holes.[3]
