A flux wire welder is a welding electrode that does not enlist a shielding Gauze, such as argon or helium, however instead employs flux cored wire. The welding process is known as flux cored wire arc welding (FCAW).
Flux
The flux -- a substance that prevents oxidation of welded metal -- is contained within a wire, which makes electrical contact with the weld area through the tip of the electrode. This construction makes flux cored wire more expensive than regular wire used for gas metal arc welding (GMAW).
Pros
Flux cored wire welding offers greater weld penetration than other methods and is often used to stretch the capabilities of a small welding machine. The process creates a weld that is relatively unattractive in appearance.
The absence of shielding gas means that a flux wire welder can be used outdoors without disturbance by wind or weather conditions.
