Welding Wire

Professional Welding Wire Supplies

Welding Wire for Every Occasion

Professional welders rely on their ability to consistently repeat the same, strong, consistent weld, and a lot of this has to do with the materials they use. Welding wires have different properties that make a significant difference in:

  • Mechanical properties
  • Arc behavior
  • Intended applications

Veteran welders know that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—different materials require different approaches, and your choice of MIG and flux-cored wire is important to what you are trying to accomplish.

The Differences Between MIG Wire and Flux-Cored Wire

MIG wire is continuous, solid wire electrode for filler metal. This type requires a shielding gas delivered by a pressurized gas bottle that protects the molten welding pool from contaminants in the surrounding air.

Flux-cored wires can be gas-shielded or self-shielded. Gas shielded flux-cored wires feature a coating that solidifies quicker than the surrounding molten weld material, creating a shelf to hold the molten pool when welding overhead. Self-shielding, flux-cored wire generates its own shield gas as the wire is burned, making its use more portable since an external gas tank is not needed.

Get the Quality You Need With CK Supply

We carry everything a professional or hobbyist welder will need to achieve the best possible results, including a wide range of welding wires. If you have questions about any of our wire options, shield gases, personal protection equipment, or anything related to welding, our experts are standing by to answer any questions.

Remember to Use the Right Materials

We understand it—welders are set in their ways and methods. Some use the same wire over and over because “That’s how it’s always been done.” But there is never a one-size-fits-all solution. The reason why we offer different wires and shield gases is because the type of materials you use will produce better quality welds depending on a couple of factors:

The Location Of The Jobsite

Outdoor, windy locations are difficult places to weld at best, because exposing the shield gas to wind can compromise its shielding purpose. This makes solid MIG wire and gas shielded flux-core wire tricky to use outdoors without a calm day or a windbreak to prevent the shield gas from dissipating and weakening the weld. This makes flux-cored, self-shielding wire valuable for outdoor operations such as farming where equipment can break down far from the shop.

The Application

The thickness of the material to be welded needs to be considered when choosing the right wire for the job. When a welder uses too small of a solid wire for a thicker application, for example, the weld may need a second pass. Dirty steel or other material that may have mill dust, rust, scale, or oil deposits on it may require flux-cored wire regardless of how well they are cleaned before welding. More wire options mean better welds, regardless of the condition of the materials.

How The Weld Will Look

All welders strive for clean-looking, strong welds, and depending on the application, the careful choice of wire and shield gases will produce the look and strength the welder needs. Typically, smaller welds for automotive bodywork or thinner applications prefer solid MIG wire.

For High-Quality Equipment, Premium, Lab-Certified Gases, And Excellent Customer Service, Trust CK Supply.

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