FCAW commonly uses what type of electrode?

• A. Flux-cored electrode
• B. Solid wire electrode
• C. Stick electrode
• D. Tungsten electrode

Answer: (A)

FCAW uses a flux-cored electrode—a tubular wire filled with flux. The flux inside the wire provides arc shielding and, as it melts, forms slag that protects the molten metal as it solidifies. This setup lets FCAW welders work in less-controlled environments and often achieve higher deposition rates. The other options belong to different welding processes: a solid wire electrode is typical for GMAW (MIG) where shielding comes from an external gas; a stick electrode is used in SMAW (stick welding); a tungsten electrode is used in TIG welding.