One of the first things that the commercial welders learn when flux core arc welding is concerned is that this is an automatic or semi-automatic process of arc welding. During that process, the commercial welder uses the so called tubular electrode, which is based on a flux rather than on a solid electrode.
It is this flux core electrode being used that makes the process of fluxed-cored arc weld the right choice in many cases and for numerous of today’s commercial welding requirements.

As it is often discussed at the Arc Welding Forum, the commercial welders are using two types of flux core arc welding. The first type requires an external supply for shielding gas, while the other one requests self-shielding, where the shielding gas comes from a tubular electrode that is continuously-fed.

The electrode does contain flux and it also contains other ingredients which generate a shielding gas, as the electrode is in contact with the heat of the commercial welder. The gas does protect the arc and the molten metal from the surrounding atmosphere.

The process of flux core arc welding has several advantages if compared to the rest of the welding methods. Which are they? The flux core arc welding, for example, has a higher deposit rate than the MIG welding. This FCAW process can deposit three times (and even more) the amount of weld per hour than the same amount is produced with the MIG welding. Another thing that should be mentioned is that with the flux core arc welding there are fewer restarts, which decreases the chance of defects in that area.

Commercial welders know that the flux core arc welding can be performed outdoors, even when there is wind and they can result into a strong and quality weld. That is why this type of welding process is preferred by ever commercial welder, especially in the construction industry and in the farming industry.

It should also be pointed out that the electrode that is used in the flux core arc welding sticks out longer than the wire that is used in the gas metal arc welding. Thanks to that, the welder can see and also control the molten puddle. The flux core electrodes have deoxidizers, which reduce and even eliminate the porosity in the welds. On the top of that, the flux core arc welding can be performed in all possible positions, if the right consumable electrode is being used.