Is TIG an inherently "low-hydrogen" process?

Yes, TIG and MIG are low hydrogen processes.

FC is not MIG, at least not here in Europe. By, TinMan

Flux-Core Arc Welding, Gas-Shielded or Self-Shielded, is not MIG (GMAW).

I stated specifically MIG.

Hi all.

When I worked on FCW back in the early 90's, Rutile Flux-Cored-Wire and Basic Flux-Cored-Wire were coming in at 5ml of H2 per 100g of weld or less. That makes them very low hydrogen.

And they are reliably so - with the flux inside them, the outside of the wire will rust and the wire will become unusable before the flux gets to pick up moisture.

For stick welding, you have to bake basic SMA (eg. 7018) at 400degC to get that, don't you?

Solid-wire MIG is really low hydrogen - I read it's something like 1 to 2ml of H2 per 100g of weld - if the metal being welded has zero contamination of oils, etc.

How much that helps you? Can't say from a practical point of view. When H level gets very low, can't really say whether getting it even lower for steel helps you. Anyone know? Anyone welding railway rails (about 0.6% carbon) notice a difference between welding with baked basic stick or FCW and welding with solid wire MIG?

Richard Smith

Ernie Leimkuhler writes: