I don't know why your asking but be aware that for pre-qualified WPS variables for FCAW "mode of transfer" is not a an essential variable per Table 3.8 so you can leave it blank.

Of course you may want to know for informational purposes.  You can do a search on this forum it has been discussed in the past.

FCAW is a process as GMAW but GMAW has 4 transfer modes. Spray or Globular is a function of the type of FCAW wire. Just as SMAW ~ the electrode classification or even the manufacturer of electrode and its flux determines if the metal transfered across the arc is globular or spray.

Max

357 said it perfectly!

If the droplets that transfer are smaller than the wire diameter it's spray.

There are some E71T-1 electrodes out there that spray with 100% CO2...

Hi Bubba

Whenever I see "simple question", I know it will have a sting in the tail! I believe you have received a perfectly good answer from 357max, but I though I would put my spinn on it.

The way I think of FCAW, is a little like saying that FCAW is like SMAW, only the electrode is inside out. Wire outside and flux inside, instead of wire inside and flux outside. So, why do we not ask what transfer mode are we welding with a SMAW electrode? Because it does not really matter! The "transfer mode" is decided before hand by the electrode manufacturer, based on the flux coating and the recommended amperage rating. We can not actually change it, so why bother worrying about it? In the same way, the "transfer mode" when welding FCAW is decided by the electrode manufacturer, based on the usability that the manufacturer is trying to achieve with the particular elctrode. If you weld within the recommended Voltage and Amperage range given by the manufacturer, is it really important what "transfer mode" you got? The electrode classification will tell you its usability in terms of position, electrode polarity and gas to use, so why even bother with the type of transfer? The only answer is that some codes (like ASME IX) lump FCAW and GMAW together as one process. As the transfer mode is VERY important for GMAW, and is dependent on the voltage, amperage and gas composition etc, this same importance is imparted to FCAW, which is actually irrational. As long as you do not record "dip transfer" (which you will never have with FCAW) on your PQR, it will make no difference to what you can do with the qualification later on.

I would challenge any inspector that tells me that the WPS is not being followed because the transfer type on the WPS is "Globular" and the welder is actually welding with "Spray". Proove it will be my challenge! Keep in mind that in the case of FCAW, you are not just transferring metal accross the arc, but also moulten flux, so it all becomes rather messy!

In the case of FCAW, I always record "globular" for the transfer mode, as it does not make a difference once you take the other usability designators of the electrode into account.

Just my spinn on this topic.

Regards
Niekie

Yup, we've all been there.
That's why you'll here alot on this forum "show me in writing where that's required" because people get something stuck in their head and they don't always know what their talking about.