10 Questions You Should to Know about Flux Cored Wire Self-shielded

Author: Jessica

May. 26, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions About Flux Core Wire - Sino-welding.com

This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!

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There are two types of flux-cored wires — gas shielded and self-shielded. Gas-shielded flux-cored wires require external shielding gas, and the slag is easy to remove. Consider using gas-shielded flux-cored wires when welding on thicker metals or in out-of-position applications.

1. What does the 6 stand for in ER70S-6?

As an example, for a commonly used solid wire — AWS ER70S-6 — the “ER” indicates that the filler metal is an electrode or rod; the “70” signifies that it has a tensile strength of 70,000 pounds per square inch (psi), and the “S” means that it is a solid wire.

2. What is the difference between ER70S2 and ER70S-6?

Both the wires can be used for similar jobs due to their identical capabilities. The major difference between the two products is prominent when the user is operating on contaminated or rusted surfaces, in which case the ER70S6 provides better penetration and higher quality of welds.

3. Is flux core wire good?

The LINCOLN ELECTRIC NR-211 flux-core wire is a good quality reel that, when welding, cools quickly to keep heat out of your project. It also produces very minimally spatter. The slag has good coverage but is easily removed, making cleanup a breeze. Unfortunately, the range is very small.

4. Does flux core wire go bad?

Flux core wire is not solid, so contaminants such as moisture can enter the wire. So, if flux core wires are exposed to moisture for a long time, they will go bad. ... While flux core wire can go bad, it does not merely go bad for no reason or without any signs.

5. Can you use flux-cored wire with gas?

You can use gas with a regular flux core, but it is a total waste of gas. The flux in dual shield wire doesn't shield the weld, it causes better deposition rates and weld characteristics in the weld. Gas is needed with a dual shield to shield the weld, but not with flux cored.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Flux Cored Wire Self-shielded. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

6. What's the difference between .30 and .35 flux wire?

A flux core wire that features a 035 electrode implies that it is thicker than one, which measures 035 by. 005 inches. ... The thicker the diameter of a wire, the deeper the penetration. While 035 flux core wires work well with 250 V machines, 030 flux-cored wires deliver great performance when used with 210 V machines.

  Flux Cored Wire Gas-shielded 

7. How do I choose flux core wire?

030-inch diameter is a good all-around choice for welding a wide range of metal thicknesses. For welding thicker material at higher total heat levels, use. 035-inch wire (or . 045-inch wire if it's within your welder's output range).

8. What is the most preferred MIG wire solid or flux core?

The first reason why you may prefer gas-shielded solid core wire for MIG welding is the most obvious: You don't have to clean up the flux when you're done welding. The shielding gas saves you a clean-up step and helps you immediately create a clean weld.

9. How can you tell the difference between flux core and solid wire?

Solid wire provides deep penetration in the root and usually has little spatter. Flux-cored wire has a larger ball-type transfer and produces low spatter levels. In addition, flux-cored wire produces a rounder penetration profile with excellent sidewall fusion.

10. Can I use solid wire without gas?

While solid MIG wire requires a shielding gas to protect the weld, typically a mix of Argon and CO2, there's also flux-cored MIG wire that shields the weld on its own without the help of gas.

11. How long can you store flux core wire?

Flux cored wire should not be stored for more than 5 years. The older wire should be redried before use. Storeroom temperature should be kept as even as possible, temperature variations should not exceed ± 5°C.

The company is the world’s best Flux Cored Wire Gas-Shielded supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

FLux-Core Explained: Self-Shielded vs. Dual-Shielded - Earlbeck

Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) is a versatile process that essentially combines the efficiency of MIG welding with the simplicity of Stick welding! It comes in two forms: self-shielded (FCAW-S) and dual-shielded (FCAW-G). Both methods have distinct advantages and applications, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in your welding projects. So let’s break down these processes, starting with the basics! When comparing self-shielded and dual-shielded FCAW, the first major difference is the type of wire used. Self-shielded FCAW uses a wire that contains flux, which generates the shielding gas needed to protect the weld from contamination. This type of wire is designed for outdoor and high-wind conditions since it doesn’t rely on an external gas cylinder.

On the other hand, dual-shielded FCAW combines flux inside the wire with an external shielding gas (usually either 100% CO₂ or a 75/25 Argon/CO₂ mix). This setup provides additional protection and leads to cleaner, stronger welds, especially in critical structural applications. The setup for both FCAW processes can be pretty confusing and it differs based on the wire and shielding gas requirements. The good news is, pretty much any machine you can MIG weld with, you can use for FCAW!

The best thing to do is to first consult the manufacturer’s recommendations- they should have a catalog available that shows you how to choose a wire that is appropriate for your job. Or if you already have the wire, it is best to cross reference the information on the spool to determine the best practices. After that, you’ll have to make sure you are equipped with the correct drive rolls for your wire and you’ll need to ensure that your machine is set to the correct polarity. Self-shielded FCAW is designed for fieldwork, making it ideal for windy environments where shielding gas might otherwise blow away. However, it requires a few key practices to get the best results:
  • Maintain a slightly longer arc length to minimize spatter + ensure proper weld penetration.
  • Use a drag (backhand) technique rather than pushing, which helps keep the weld bead clean.
  • Control your work angle and travel speed to avoid undercutting or insufficient fusion.

Self-shielded FCAW runs smoothly but produces more spatter compared to dual-shielded FCAW. The flux core generates a protective gas that shields the weld puddle, but it also creates slag that must be chipped away after each pass. While it offers good penetration and strength, it lacks the precision and smooth finish of a gas-shielded process. Dual-shielded FCAW combines the best of flux-cored welding with the benefits of external gas shielding, resulting in cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing welds. However, it does require more precise setup and gas management, making it less ideal for fieldwork but perfect for fabrication shops and indoor environments. To get the most out of dual-shielded FCAW, follow these best practices:
  • Optimize your shielding gas flow: Too little gas can cause porosity, while too much can disturb the arc.
  • Use a drag (backhand) technique rather than pushing, which helps keep the weld bead clean.
  • Clean your base material thoroughly to avoid contamination.

Dual-shielded FCAW runs smoother and produces less spatter compared to its self-shielded counterpart. The addition of shielding gas creates a more stable arc, leading to better puddle control, increased deposition rates, and overall higher-quality welds. This method is ideal for thick materials and critical structural applications. Choosing between self-shielded and dual-shielded FCAW depends on your project needs. If you’re working outdoors or in conditions where portability and simplicity are key, self-shielded FCAW is the way to go. But for precise, high-quality welds in a controlled environment, dual-shielded FCAW is the superior option. Understanding the differences between these methods will help you select the right one for your welding application and ensure optimal results every time! Need help navigating these choices? Just stop by one of our showrooms in Maryland or Pennsylvania and our team will help you find the right supplies for the job! BALTIMORE

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