FAQs for FlexTrades

FlexTrades provides labor solutions to American manufacturers. That’s what we do in a nutshell and we take the “solution” part of that equation seriously. As a result, all of us here end up asking a lot of questions to make sure we find the right way to solve the real problem. Additionally, the community asks a fair amount of questions too. In this blog, FlexTrades answers the most common questions.

What is the difference between MIG (GMAW) and Flux Core (FCAW) Welding?

Great question! MIG and Flux Core welding are pretty similar in nature. They each use power supplies, are semi-automatic welding processes, allow for high production rates, and use continuous wire feeds. The two main differences between MIG and Flux Core welding are:

• The types of electrodes being used
• The process for shielding the electrode from the air and other contaminants

Electrode Types

In MIG welding, the electrodes are solid through-and-through. The opposite holds true in Flux Core welding where the centers of the electrodes are hollow.

Shielding Gases

In MIG welding, the electrode receives the shielding from supplied gases in tank or bottle form. In Flux Core welding, the electrode receives the shielding from flux located in the center of the electrode. The shielding gases are similar (often Carbon, Argon, Helium, and/or Oxygen) but they are supplied in different forms. MIG supplies it in the form of gas while Flux Core supplies it in the form of flux (kind of like Pixy Stix).

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