In a previous article, we discussed the importance of controlling hydrogen levels in welds in cold damp conditions, and the advantages of low hydrogen seamless flux cored wires. In some applications, metal cored welding wires offer significant benefits over flux cored wires.
SEAMLESS METAL Cored Wires
NSWE, (Nippon Steel Welding & Engineering), manufactures Seamless Metal cored wires in the same unique ICF production process as their flux cored wires, except the flux ingredients are metal powders with only a small amount of alloy powders.
NSWE Seamless Metal cored wires, such as SM-3A, have the same extremely low hydrogen levels, welded seam, double copper coating and imperviousness to hydrogen pick-up over time as NSWE seamless flux cored wires.
In addition to the benefits of minimising hydrogen-related weld defects, reducing rework, etc., NSWE Seamless Metal cored wires offer all the efficiency benefits of a quality metal wire:
- Faster travel speeds and high deposition rates, like flux cored wires
- High deposition efficiency, similar to solid wires, minimal slag and reduced fume
- Better penetration and gap bridging
- Higher tolerance of contaminants on the base material
- Lower heat input in the weld results in less heat distortion
For welding jobs which are mostly downhand, metal cored wire offers faster, more efficient, better quality welding that will decrease the largest cost component of your work – Labour.
SM-3A can also be run out-of-position on LORCH synergic welding machines, potentially a big time saver. Contact WENZL for more information and a demo.
We have been asked recently for advice on storing flux cored wires. Guidelines from manufacturers can vary and should always be consulted. Read on for general advice.