Which welding process typically uses a flux-cored electrode?

Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) is specifically designed to use a flux-cored electrode. This process involves a tubular wire filled with a flux material, which melts during welding to produce a shielding gas that protects the weld pool from atmospheric contamination, similar to how gas is used in other welding processes. The flux within the electrode helps in deoxidizing the weld and can enhance the mechanical properties of the weld joint.

In contrast, other processes, such as MIG welding, typically use a solid wire electrode and rely on an external gas shield for protection. TIG welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and requires a different approach to shielding and filler materials. Stick welding, meanwhile, employs a consumable electrode coated in flux, but it is not classified under flux-cored processes like FCAW.

Thus, the association of FCAW with the flux-cored electrode is critical to understanding its unique capabilities compared to other welding methods.