Flux-cored wire
From GAWDAwiki
Flux-cored wire is a composite tubular filler metal electrode consisting of a metal sheath and a core of various powdered materials, producing an extensive slag cover on the face of a weld bead. External shielding may be required.[1]
There are two types of flux cored wires: gas shielded and self-shielded. Gas shielded flux cored wires require external shielding gas and the slag is easy to remove. The operator may want to consider using gas shielded flux-cored wires when welding on thicker metals or in out-of-position applications. Gas shielded flux-cored wires have a flux coating that solidifies more quickly than the molten weld material. As a result, it creates a "shelf" to hold the molten pool when welding overhead or vertically up. Self-shielding flux-cored wire does not require external shielding gas; the weld pool is protected by gas generated when flux from the wire is burned. As a result, self-shielding flux-cored wire is more portable because it does not require an external gas tank.[2]
