How are the models of flux-cored welding wires classified?
1.Classification by purpose
①.Structural steel flux-cored welding wire:
Mainly used for welding structural parts such as carbon steel and low alloy steel. The model generally starts with the letter "E", followed by a combination of numbers and letters. For example, E501T-1, "E" represents the electrode (also used here to identify the flux-cored welding wire), "50" represents the minimum tensile strength of the deposited metal is about 500MPa, "1" represents the welding position is all-position welding, "T" represents the flux-cored welding wire, and "-1" is the classification code of the flux-cored welding wire. Different classification codes represent different flux core compositions, welding characteristics, etc.
②Stainless steel flux-cored welding wire:
Used for welding various stainless steel materials. Models such as E308LT1-1, where "E308L" means that the welding wire is used to weld 308L stainless steel, and the meaning of "T1-1" is similar to that of structural steel flux-cored welding wire, which also indicates information such as welding position and flux-cored welding wire type. This type of model identification can help users quickly understand the applicable scope of the welding wire.
③Wear-resistant cladding flux-cored welding wire:
It is mainly used for cladding wear-resistant layers on metal surfaces. The model will reflect information related to wear-resistant characteristics, such as hardness range, etc. For example, some models of wear-resistant cladding flux-cored welding wire are marked with the Rockwell hardness (HRC) value range of the cladding layer, which is convenient for users to choose the appropriate welding wire according to the required wear resistance.
2.Classification by shielding gas type
①Carbon dioxide (CO₂) shielded flux-cored welding wire:
This is the most common type. Its model may not usually highlight the shielding gas type in the identification, because CO₂ shielded flux-cored welding wire is widely used. However, detailed information such as product manuals will indicate that it is suitable for CO₂ gas shielded welding. For example, the E501T-1 mentioned above can be used for CO₂ gas shielded welding. It can ensure good welding performance in a CO₂ environment, such as a stable arc and a suitable deposition speed.
②Argon (Ar) shielded or mixed gas shielded flux-cored welding wire:
It is used in situations where higher welding quality requirements are required and a more stable shielding gas environment is required. The model may indicate that it is suitable for argon or argon-carbon dioxide mixed gas protection. This type of welding wire is widely used in welding materials such as stainless steel, because argon protection can reduce the oxidation and nitridation of the weld and obtain a higher quality weld.
③Self-shielded flux-cored welding wire:
The model will highlight the "self-shielding" feature. This type of welding wire does not require external shielding gas during welding, and relies on the gas generated by the decomposition of the flux core itself to protect the molten pool. For example, some self-shielded flux-cored welding wire models will have special markings to distinguish them from other welding wires that require shielding gas, which is convenient for use in some outdoor or non-gas-shielded places.
3.Classification by slag system of flux-cored welding wire
①Titanium (acidic) flux-cored welding wire:
The model may reflect its slag system type through the composition code or other instructions. The flux core of titanium-type flux-cored welding wire contains more titanium oxide, and its welding process performance is good, the arc is stable, the spatter is small, and the weld is beautiful. It is usually used for welding with high requirements for appearance quality. However, its weld metal toughness and crack resistance are slightly worse than those of alkaline flux-cored welding wire.
②Calcium-type (alkaline) flux-cored welding wire:
The main component of the flux core of this type of welding wire is calcium compounds. Its characteristics are good toughness and crack resistance of the weld metal, and high-quality welds can be obtained, but the welding process performance is slightly worse than that of acidic flux-cored welding wire, such as slightly weaker arc stability and slightly larger spatter. The model identification may involve codes related to the characteristics of the slag system, which are used to distinguish welding wires of different slag systems.
③Other slag-based flux-cored welding wires:
There are also some special slag-based flux-cored welding wires, such as aluminum type, zirconium type, etc. They each have their own special welding performance and application range, and the model classification will also take into account the characteristics and application fields of these slag systems to help users accurately choose welding wires that suit their needs.
