Welding is one of the most widely used processes in the world for joining two materials together. Welding wire comes in different diameters and types, and is used to provide the necessary melting, heat and gas transfer to effectively complete a welding joint. In a very short span of time, the global welding wire market has grown by nearly 7%, which is worth more than $6 billion.
With growing demand and technological advancements, welding wire is increasingly being used in applications like automotive, construction and aerospace. So, what is welding wire?
In this article, we’ll take a close look at this essential part of the welding process and discuss its different types, important aspects, and the role it plays in creating a successful weld.
What is Welding Wire?
Welding wire is a metallic wire which is used in the welding process to create a joint between two metals.It is generally made of steel or aluminum, but can also be made of other metals such as copper, nickel, cobalt, or alloys. Welding wire is typically available in rolls or spools, and is usually covered with a flux, or a protective coating, to prevent oxidation and contamination while it is being worked with.
Types of Welding Wire
The various types of welding wire available can be grouped into three main categories: filler metal, flux-cored wire, and metal-cored wire.- Filler Metal: This type of welding wire is used in stick welding and is composed of solid metal. It can be made of different alloys and thicknesses, depending on the type of metal being worked with.
- Flux-cored Wire: This type of welding wire is composed of metal and core flux which provides a protective coating to the weld.
It is most commonly used in gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) processes.
- Metal-cored Wire: This type of welding wire contains metal on the outer layer, but is hollow inside.
This allows for more efficient welding as the heat is better distributed. It is most often used in gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and metal-cored arc welding (MCAW) processes.