It is important to set up the equipment for the polarity of the wire you'reĬonstant Voltage Versus Constant Current: Self shielded flux core wires are developed to run on a Electrode positive generally requires higher voltage The mold weld puddle is formed by hot gas Is attached to the positive terminal and the ground to the negative. DC + :With direct current electrode positive, or DC+, the lead to the wire gun feed.Electrode negative is generally associated with lower voltage requirements and faster travels speeds. DC - : In theory, negative electrons flow from the welding wire, striking the base metal, and forming the mold puddle quickly.The direction of flow, referred to as polarity, is determined by how the leads are connected to the terminals on the wire feed or flux core welding machine.įor direct current electrode negative, or DC-, the lead to the wire gun feed is attached to the negative terminal and the ground clamp is attached to the positive. In electric arc welding, the distance between theĮlectrode and the metal, called the arc gap, is extremely important. Higher deposit rates, wire feed is more efficient. Self shielded flux core wires were originally developed asĪn alternative to shielded metal arc welding, (which is with a stick rod). So let's start with self-shielded flux core arc there are differences between the 2, both in Because of the external shielding gas, these wiresĪre used inside of a shop or in some confined area for heavy fabrication andīoth self shielding and gas shielding wires have the Require a higher voltage, are considered most efficient on thicker metals, and Surrounding air so an external shielding gas is needed. The compounds in the flux of the gas shielded flux core welding wire do not produce the gases necessary to protect the molten metal from contacting the Gas Shielded Flux Core Wires Explained (FCAW-G): Self shielded flux core welding is the best type of welding to learn for beginners because it's extremely versatile for an entry level welding process. Structural, general fabrication, and repair. Self shielded flux core wires provide a wire feed Voltage, can be used over a wide range of metal thicknesses, and deliver a Self Shielding Wires Explained (FCAW-S):īy gases created from the burning flux with self shielding wires. Shields the metal in 2 different ways, depending on the type of flux core wire.īoth are really like 2 different welding processes. InĪny type of welding, the metal needs to be shielded so that it doesn't come inĬontact with oxygen and nitrogen in the surrounding air.

Molten flux cools, it forms a protective slag covering over the hot weld bead. Impurities from the molten filler metal, producing a clean weld deposit.

They also lift oxygen, nitrogen, and other The weld, these compounds clean oxides from the surface of the metal, helping To this flux determine the characteristics of the arc and weld buildup. Wire feed welding has become the standard in the welding industry, and with the availability of smaller diameter wires and less expensive welding machines the wire feed process is now common in small shops, farms, ranches, and home shops.įlux core welding uses a continuous tubular wire that surrounds an inner core of flux.

Dc flux core welder