Also known as flux-cored arc welding, FCAW offers a wide range of advantages when you’re welding. It offers high deposition rates and is the best process for dealing with moderate amounts of rust and mill scale to produce high quality welds.

That said, there are a few common mistakes welders make when using this process. The good news? There are ways to avoid them too. Here’s a look at what to know and how to improve.

When it comes to proper plasma cutting, taking care of your equipment is key. Routine checks ensure the machine functions as intended, giving you the best performance. To help you in the process, here are some tips for maintaining your plasma cutting system each day, each week and on an ongoing basis.

Avoid Voltage Drop to Improve Weld Quality on Job sites

When it comes to defects with welding aluminum, most appear in the form of cracks. This is simply because you’re not welding pure aluminum, which is too soft for commercial use. Instead, you’re welding aluminum that is alloyed with another element, like copper or magnesium.

Whatever you’re welding, you need to properly adjust your drive roll tension to ensure consistent wire feeding and a stable arc. First and foremost, though, choosing a drive rolls that’s the right size for the wire being used is key. If the drive roll is too large or small, then it can lead to issues with feeding.

The following addresses some of the common issues of TIG welding. In all cases of equipment malfunction, the manufacturer's recommendations should be strictly adhered to and followed.

In the past these words brought fear into most welding techs minds. Arc gouging was a process that TORE up machines. We would recommend customer getting old trashed machines so they could use them to gouge out metal, so they did not hurt their better equipment. 300-amp inverters were the worst. NOW at the present day, manufactures have quickened the welder's response time to not allow carbon arc gouging to tear up or damage equipment, Matter of fact if your machine has a dedicated process for CAG that is specifically made for this process and can be used very efficiently.

Plasma cutters are so easy to use that it's tempting to take your new plasma cutter out of the box and go to work. However, there are a few practices that can increase your efficiency, improve your cut quality and prolong the life of your equipment.

Whether your plasma cutter will be used in the shop or for DIY projects, arts or motorsports, using proper techniques will deliver better results.

Learn more about choosing the right equipment as well as plasma cutter setup and operation.