Flux-cored arc welding

FCAW requires a continuously-fed consumable tubular electrode containing a flux and a constant-voltage or, less commonly, a constant-current welding power supply.

It also contains various ingredients that when exposed to the high temperatures of welding generate a shielding gas for protecting the arc.

Some disadvantages are that this process can produce excessive, noxious smoke (making it difficult to see the weld pool).

In practice it also allows a higher production rate, since the operator does not need to stop periodically to fetch a new electrode, as is the case in SMAW.

However, like GMAW, it cannot be used in a windy environment as the loss of the shielding gas from air flow will produce porosity in the weld.