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Flux Core Welding vs. MIG Welding: What’s The Difference?

Minnesota Dave
13 Min Read

Is Flux Core Welding as Good as MIG Welding?

Welding Town

FAQs

Is MIG or Flux-cored Stronger? Both MIG and flux-cored welding techniques can produce strong welds, but their strength can vary depending on the specific application.

  • MIG welding tends to be stronger when welding thin stock.
  • Flux-cored welding is typically stronger when welding thick stock.
  • MIG welding is preferred for aluminum work, providing strong welds.
  • Flux-cored welding is suitable for cast iron and galvanized steel, producing stronger welds in those materials.
  • Flux-cored welding is also stronger when working on surfaces with rust, dirt, and paint.
  • In terms of strength for outdoor conditions, flux-cored welding offers better durability.

How Do I Know If My MIG Welder Can Run Flux-cored Wire? To determine if your MIG welder can run flux-cored wire, check if your welder has the option to change polarity. MIG welding requires a positive terminal polarity, while flux-cored welding requires a negative terminal polarity. If your MIG welder allows polarity changes, it can run flux-cored wires. If not, you may need to invest in a new MIG unit with this feature.

Is A Gasless Welder A Contradiction Of Terms? Technically speaking, yes, a gasless welder is a contradiction of terms. MIG welding is designed to use an external shielding gas, so the term “gasless” seems contradictory. However, “gasless” is commonly used to describe the flux-cored welding process, which does not require an external shielding gas.

Is MIG or Flux-cored Welding Easy To Learn? Both MIG and flux-cored welding techniques are considered relatively easy to learn, especially for beginners. These semi-automatic welding processes are popular choices for novice welders due to their user-friendly nature and versatility. By familiarizing yourself with each technique and understanding their applications, you can become a skilled welder and enhance your welding abilities.

Wrapping It Up Both flux-cored and MIG welding techniques have their advantages and disadvantages. It is important to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and specific applications. As you gain experience and proficiency in using these welding processes correctly, you will develop into a more skilled welder and further refine your welding skills.

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