Beginner question - Flux V Solid Core

[woodlandfarms]

So all things being the same (Wire speed amperage and stick movement). Does .035 Flux and .035 Solid put down the same material inch for inch? I assume that there is less "Rod" in a flux as the inside is hollow but...

 

[dragoneggs]

I would assume the same. I guess one sure way would be to 'mic' the thicknesses. If they are the same then I think it would be safe to bet the solid lays down more per inch but is it enough to notice??? I would guess not. Curious as to why you are wondering?

 

[firemanmike69]

You are correct the center of the wire is flux and not wholly deposited into the actual weld puddle. That's a consideration to make when looking at switching to flux core wire, that less if the 44# spool is going to be actual weld metal than if you were using solid wire,but you don't have the cost of gas, but you do have to clean flux off welds.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Deposition rates and transfer efficiency are two items you can use to compare. For MIG you have a transfer efficiency of 95% or better. Of course that depends on what mode you use, but still the bottom end is around 95%. Flux Core wire efficiency is around 85%. You can put down more wire per hour with flux core, but the increased cost means that you have to put out maximum production levels to make flux core an economical solution in many cases. Flux core does offer better penetration on average but the increased cost over MIG + shielding gas means you pay out more overall. The use of dual shield wire (a flux type wire used with CO2 or other shielding gas) is becoming more and more popular, but not many people want to worry with that type set up with smaller MIG welders.