Metalcore

[Stickman]

Can anyone out there give me some information about "metal-core" welding?
I know it's wire-fed type process, but I can't figure out what the name means.
I mean, isn't all mig wire "metal-cored", excepting flux core of course.
Maybe a dumb question, but I really wonder about this one and can't really get much info about it off of google.
Thanks!

[MAC702]

It's a metal powder inside a tubular electrode. Unlike "flux"-core, "metal"-core adds to the deposition rate of the wire. SOME flux-cored wires require a shielding gas. ALL the metal-cored wires I've seen require shielding gas.

[Stick rod]

And no slag to remove as with flux core.There are sometimes little silicon type islands,but they wipe right off.

[Stickman]

Well thanks for the information, guys.
Yeah, I took a look at welding beads run using this process. There is no slag, just the odd little "glassy" looking spot here and there.
I believe, but am not 100% sure, that the gas was 75% Argon and 25% co2.
OK, so it sounds like the metal in the wires' core do something similar to those stick welding rods that have iron powder in them, to increase deposition.
Any particular application where metal core welding would be the process of choice?
Just curious.
Thanks.

[MAC702]

Check out this thread at SFT:

http://www.shopfloortalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5897

[Bowtieman31]

Check out: www.jwharris.com
When you get to thier site, go to Perfect Circle, "20 Guage Welding Wire". That should provide you with the info you're requesting.

[Stickman]

I starting to get a better idea on this subject now.
Thanks all, for taking the time to reply.

[Fishy Jim]

I've been using JW Harris tig filler and am very pleased with it.