When it comes to flux-cored arc welding (FWAC), there is nothing more than just the two options for flux cored welding wires or electrodes. When you are taking up this profession, sooner or later, learning the differences between the two types of stainless steel flux cored welding wires, and what they do is necessary. The two different types of wires are - self shielding and dual shielding.
As the name suggests, self-shielding stainless steel flux cored welding wire provides shielding to the weld during the welding process. Welding with such wire does not need any sort of protection from the air or contamination surrounding the welding area. Physically, self-shielding stainless steel flux cored wires, are like stick electrodes turned inside out. They are hollow inside and usually contain a flux along with several other ingredients at its center. When the wire reaches the optimal temperature, the various ingredients inside the wire, turns into a shielding gas. This shielding gas protects the weld from those environmental and air impurities that generally contaminate the weld. This wire has a good penetration into the metal, and is ideal for welding in windy conditions. Furthermore, it makes a great choice for those welders who have a MIG equipment, but do not want to worry about maintaining a separate bottle of shielding gas.
Stainless steel flux cored dual shielding wires are, a lot like self-shielding welding wires, but with an exception of requiring a shielding gas by some external means. The impressive thing about using dual shielding wires is its clean and consistent weld. Unlike self-shielding wires, where slag on the weld is difficult and slow to remove, the slag created on the weld by dual shielding wires is easy to remove. In contrast to other welding processes, when welding with dual shielding wires, the deposition rate is higher. However, the downside of these wires is its ability to weld in a windy condition. Since they use an external source for shielding gas, which is not enough compared to the shielding gas created by self-shielding wires, dual shielding wires often produce weld porosity on the surface of the weld. This type of stainless steel welding wire is preferable for welding metals that are thick and out-of-position.
Both self-shielding and dual shielding wires has merits and demerits of their own. Nevertheless, as far as the flux-core arc welding is concerned it is best for high speed welding. Furthermore, this type of arc welding is the most preferred welding for welders who are still novice.
