Awhile back I saw a post about using flux core wire to weld stainless. Does any one know a brand and part# for such a thing. Also do you need to use a shielding gas with flux core stainless electrode?
Thanks in advance,
saxdoc
kobelco is one mfg of flux core wire used with co2
some call it just kobe
thier web site may be www.kobelco.com
not sure
it runs really good
Saxdoc,
Most of my welding handbooks are Australian but my Lincoln book shows they have flux-cored stainless steel wires for 304, 309, 316 and 409 materials. These are welded with either CO2 or Ar+20-25% CO2 or equivalent.I think all the major manufacturers will stock a variety of wires, it just depends on your requirements.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Shane Feder
We use ESAB ShieldBright for our stainless FCAW welding. I don't know the part or stock numbers but you can inquire at a welding supply store.
We use either 100% CO2 or 75/25 gases for shielding according to the manufacturer's data sheet. I haven't seen a stainless FCAW wire that does not use shielding gas but I don't always pay attention to products that we haven't used, so maybe there is some? Again, check at your local welding supply store for more info.
Chet Guilford
![](/mwf/attachments//avatars/4269-2369.jpg)
http://www.esabna.com/ESAB/showprod.cfm?&DID=8&User_ID=309764&st=6459&st2=-78273342&st3=59201932&CATID=25&ObjectGroup_ID=106
Here is what ESAB has on their site for Flux cored SS wires.
John Wright
By saxdoc
Date 04-19-2004 16:03
Hey Thanks guys, I was hoping that I could find a way wo use my machine dc- on stainless to get more heat but it looks like I'll have to use shielding gas and dc+
I'm building a stainless handrail for someone my setup is basic, a lincoln weldpak100 set up for mig but I'm not sure it's up to this job my stainless beads are comming out very high on practice pieces. I find that if I preheat with an oxy acetalene torch the penetration improves but I'm still not sure I'm getting the penetration I want!
saxdoc
Another good S/S FCAW wire is Stoody Brilliant Stainless.
http://www.thermadyne.com/stdy/literature/stainless.asp?div=stdy
They also have self-shielded stainless wires listed on that page.
HTH
We use a huge amount of stainless steel flux cored wire! I have 8000# of it right now for a job next month sitting in the storage area. We generally use Kobelco (Kobe E308L, E309L, E316L etc.) in the shop, but have had great sucess with ESAB (E312) wire as well. When we do work overseas we use straight CO2 because it is more readily available, but we also have procedures qualified with C-25 (75%AR-25%CO2).
Also, EXXXT1-1 all position wires weld really nice in any position.