Does MIG stainless fluxcore need gas too?

[Samurai Dave]

I know that mild steel fluxcore can run without gas, but does the same hold for stainless?

I'm not referring to the need for back-purging, but for the need to have a gas envelope as if running solid wire.

[Fat-Fab.com]

If it is a SOID wire then yes it will need some type of shielding.

FCAW wire is tubular in form and has a core of flux. some are duel shield some are self shielding.

[MAC702]

I've HEARD that ESAB makes a self-shielded SS wire. I'll bet it's expensive.

All the cored SS wires that I've seen have needed a shielding gas.

[jwsrep]

Mac is right. Esab makes a product called Core-Bright which is a self shielding SS flux core wire. It is available in 308L, 309L and 316L. Available in 33# (12" diameter) spools in .045 and 1/16" diameters, and 5/64 and 3/32" 50 Lb. coils. As far as I know Esab is the only one that makes it.

All other SS flux core wire you should use a shielding gas like 75% Argon/25% CO2.

[Samurai Dave]

SS fluxcore better than solid wire?

Gentlemen, I appreciate the responses.

TJ - Thank you for confirming stainless fluxcore generally does require gas as well.

MAC & Rich - I wasn't aware of the ESAB offering, I'll have to keep it in mind.

If most SS fluxcore requires gas, is there an advantage over solid wire? Such as: It cleans better, has less spatter, makes a thicker bead (requires less passes), etc?

[All-about-design]

Advantages of flux-core

I would offer one possible reason for using the fluxcore over solid wire and that is "convenience."

The SS-flux core I have seen/used was recommended that it be used with CO2. I am not sure about using the C-25 blend as the situation has not presented itself. However, I digress.

If you weld primarily mild steel you could potentially use CO2 for that and then use the same sheilding gas for the ss-flux core and eliminate the need for another gas type/cylinder lease/cylinder change for occassional use. (Since solid ss-wire needs tri-mix)

Just my opinion...for what it is worth...

[man of steel]

re shielding gas required

in my experience i would say depending on the quality of the bead the flux core gives you on its own and the quality of the piece your working on,it doesnt hurt to add the gas also, just improves your atmospere around your weld zone

[jwsrep]

I would offer one possible reason for using the fluxcore over solid wire and that is "convenience."

The SS-flux core I have seen/used was recommended that it be used with CO2. I am not sure about using the C-25 blend as the situation has not presented itself. However, I digress.

If you weld primarily mild steel you could potentially use CO2 for that and then use the same sheilding gas for the ss-flux core and eliminate the need for another gas type/cylinder lease/cylinder change for occassional use. (Since solid ss-wire needs tri-mix)

Just my opinion...for what it is worth...

Actually the main reason for using a flux core wire over solid is increased deposition rate, bead shape and ease of use (in flat position)

Also you can use both 100% CO2 or 75 Argon/25 CO2. The reason I listed C25 is because 99.9% of people with MIG welder's have C25 for welding mild steel and you wouldn't have to aquire another cylinder.