The flux-cored wire is a specialized type of welding consumable designed for use in flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). This process involves a tubular wire filled with a mixture of fluxing agents, deoxidizers, and metal powders, which provides both the electrode and the filler material necessary for welding. Flux-cored wires are particularly valued for their versatility and effectiveness in various welding applications, ranging from general fabrication to heavy-duty structural work.



Two primary types of flux-cored wire exist: self-shielded and gas-shielded. Self-shielded flux-cored wires generate their shielding gas as the flux within the wire melts, making them ideal for outdoor use and windy conditions. On the other hand, gas-shielded flux-cored wires require an external shielding gas, typically a mixture of argon and carbon dioxide, to protect the weld pool from atmospheric contamination, resulting in cleaner and more stable welds.