Welding is an activity that has been around for centuries and is just becoming more and more advanced as industrial technology continues to develop. From everyday household items to large-scale aircraft, welding plays an essential role in the construction and maintenance of all sorts of machinery.
But what about flux welding? It is a little known but incredibly important form of welding that has a place among the top 3 most commonly used forms of welding. Over 350 million pounds of flux welding material is used each year, and that number continues to grow!
In this article, we are going to dive into what flux welding is, the advantages and disadvantages of this form of welding, and the different applications of it.
What is Flux Welding?
Flux welding is a specialized and cost-effective type of welding that is used to join two or more metal components together. The process involves applying flux around the joint area, a mixture of chemicals that help protect the surface from oxidation and facilitate the welding process.It is one of the oldest welding processes and has remained a popular choice for many types of welding projects due to its convenience and affordability.
What is Flux?
Flux is a mixture of chemicals which is applied to the surface of the materials to be welded. This helps protect the surface from oxidation, allowing the molten metal to adhere to the component without being damaged by oxidation. Flux is available in many forms, including powders, pastes, and sticks.
Different types of flux may be better suited to certain materials or welding processes.
How Does Flux Welding Work?
Flux welding works by adding flux to the joint area and then melting the metal at the joint with either a MIG or TIG welding system. The flux protects the metals from oxidation and helps the weld form stronger and smoother. Once the molten metal is cooled, the flux is removed, leaving behind a strong, solid weld.
Advantages of Flux Welding
- Flux welding is an inexpensive and convenient type of welding.
- Flux helps protect the metal surface from oxidation, allowing the weld to form smoothly and strongly.
- It is a quick and easy process, with minimal setup and minimal post-weld cleanup.
- Flux welding is suitable for a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites.
Disadvantages of Flux Welding
- The flux needs to be pre-applied to the materials before welding, which can be time-consuming.
- Flux can cause contamination of the weld if not handled correctly.
- The welds may be weaker than those created with other welding processes, such as stick welding.