Explanation

Flux cored arc welding (FCAW) is a semi-automatic arc welding process that is similar to metal active gas (MAG) welding. FCAW uses a continuous wire fed electrode, a constant-voltage welding power supply, and similar equipment to MAG welding.

There are two basic process variants; self shielded FCAW (without shielding gas) and gas shielded FCAW (with shielding gas). The difference in the two is due to different fluxing agents in the consumables, which provide different benefits to the user.