What are Flux Cored Electrodes in Welding?

Flux-cored electrodes are composite tubular filler metal electrodes consisting of a metal sheath and a core of various powdered materials. They produce an extensive slag cover on the face of a weld bead, which can provide a good weld bead appearance and profile. External shielding may be required.

What are flux-cored electrodes used for?

Flux-cored electrodes are used in a variety of welding applications, including:

mild steel,
low-alloy steels,
stainless steels,
cast steels and hard facing.

They are available in a variety of sizes and can be used with both AC and DC power sources.

What is the purpose of flux core?

The main purpose of the flux is to protect the weld pool from oxidation and other types of contamination. The flux also helps to stabilize the arc and can provide some degree of cleaning action on the base metal.

Advantages of Flux-cored electrodes

Flux-cored electrodes offer several advantages over other types of welding electrodes, including:

easier to use than solid electrodes.
less likely to cause weld porosity.
produce less welding fumes.
can be used in all positions.

Flux-cored electrode classification

Flux-cored electrodes are classified according to their shielding gas. The most common types are:

self-shielded.
gas-shielded.

Flux-cored wire

The flux-cored wire is a type of welding wire that is used with flux-cored welding. It consists of a hollow metal tube that is filled with a powdery flux.