What type of power source is generally used for FCAW welding?

What type of power source is generally used for FCAW welding?

• A. Constant Current
• B. Constant Voltage
• C. Pulsed
• D. AC

Answer: (B)

Constant voltage is used for FCAW because keeping the arc voltage stable as you feed more wire ensures a steady arc length and consistent deposition. As the wire feed speed changes to control heat and fill, the current naturally adjusts, but the voltage staying nearly the same keeps the arc from wandering. That stability improves penetration control, reduces spatter, and maintains good shielding for the flux-cored wire. A constant-current setup would let the arc voltage swing with changes in arc length, making the arc unstable and harder to control. Pulsed power can be used in some machines, but the standard and most effective choice for FCAW is a constant-voltage supply. AC is not typical for FCAW because DC provides more stable arc characteristics and proper shielding with most FCAW wire configurations.

Constant voltage is used for FCAW because keeping the arc voltage stable as you feed more wire ensures a steady arc length and consistent deposition. As the wire feed speed changes to control heat and fill, the current naturally adjusts, but the voltage staying nearly the same keeps the arc from wandering. That stability improves penetration control, reduces spatter, and maintains good shielding for the flux-cored wire.

A constant-current setup would let the arc voltage swing with changes in arc length, making the arc unstable and harder to control. Pulsed power can be used in some machines, but the standard and most effective choice for FCAW is a constant-voltage supply. AC is not typical for FCAW because DC provides more stable arc characteristics and proper shielding with most FCAW wire configurations.