What is Flux Core Welding (FCAW)
Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) utilizes a continuously-fed tubular electrode, electrical power to melt the electrode, and may or may not use shielding gas from an externally supplied source when depositing material in the weld joint. The flux-cored electrode is a composite tubular filler metal consisting of a metal sheath with a core of mineral compounds and powdered metals.
The resulting weld bead is covered by a residual slag (melted and solidified flux) which helps to protect and shape the finished weld, and is generally easily removed upon completion of the weld. FCAW combines the high productivity of MIG welding using a solid electrode with the ability to weld on more contaminated base material. When compared with MIG welding, higher deposition rates are possible, especially when welding out of position.
Welding joins pieces of metal by the use of heat, pressure or both. Welding is among the most dangerous industrial activities. It requires an enormous degree of precautionary planning because of the risk of personal injury. Gases and fumes can be significantly reduced with process controls and shielding gases.
What is a CWI?
With the explosion of welding and metallurgical websites on the internet, why should anyone use a forensic welding engineer/expert? It is so easy to go online and find welding engineering data, equipment specifications, electrode parameters, welder blogs and perhaps even examples of weld failure assessments by others in many countries from years ago? Who would want to present these findings in court?