AvestaPolarit Welding Flux cored wire FCW

Features
• Consumables for welding stainless steel
• For all position welding
• High productivity
• Easy and flexible welding method

Product range
AvestaPolarit Welding supplies flux cored wire
(FCW) for welding all of the most common duplex
and austenitic stainless steels as well as dissimilar
welds, e.g. stainless to mild or low alloyed steels.

General characteristics
AvestaPolarit Welding FCW is produced from an
18/8 type stainless steel tube filled with a granular
core of flux. The flux contains both slag forming
compounds and alloying elements. The composition
of the flux is specially designed to ensure the correct
chemical composition and optimum welding
properties in the recommended positions.
Many of AvestaPolarit Welding’s FCW are produced
with two different core compositions: standard and
PW-type.
• The standard wires are basically designed for
welding in horizontal position, but may also be
used for in-position welding.
• The PW-type wires are specially developed to
produce a fast-freezing slag that makes them
particularly suitable for welding in vertical-up and
overhead positions.
FCW is characterised by its high deposition rate
(typically twice as high as solid MIG wire), the great
flexibility, e.g. in position welding, and the ease of Wire types and designations
welding compared to solid MIG wire. Wire type AvestaPolarit Welding
EN 12073 designations
The FCW is typically used for welding thick gauge
material (>5 mm) on-site, for example in pressure Austenitic 308L, 308H, 347, 316L, 317L
vessels, chemical carriers, chemical tanks etc. The
Austenitic-ferritic 2205
high deposition rate also makes it well suited for
overlay welding of mild and low alloyed steel Special types 309L, P5
components.
Flux cored wire FCW

Weld metal composition Standard designations

FCW Chemical composition, typical values, % Ferrite* EN 12073 AWS A5.22
C Si Mn Cr Ni Mo Other typical
308L 0.03 0.6 1.6 19.0 10.0 9 FN – E308LT0-4

308L-PW 0.03 0.7 1.6 19.0 10.0 6 FN – E308LT1-4

308H 0.06 0.4 1.5 19.0 9.5 5 FN – E308HT0-4

347 0.03 0.4 1.6 19.0 10.5 Nb >8 x C 7 FN – E347T0-4

316L 0.03 0.6 1.4 18.5 12.5 2.8 10 FN T 19 12 3 L R M4 E316LT0-4

316L-PW 0.03 0.7 1.3 18.0 12.5 3.0 7 FN – E316LT1-4

317L 0.02 0.6 1.2 18.5 12.5 3.4 10 FN – E317LT0-4

2205 0.03 0.7 0.9 22.5 9.0 3.2 N 0.13 50 FN T 22 9 3 N L R M3 E2209T0-4

2205-H 0.03 0.7 1.0 23.5 9.5 3.4 N 0.14 50 FN – E2209T0-4

2205-PW 0.03 0.6 0.8 23.0 9.5 3.5 N 0.16 45 FN – E2209T1-4

309L 0.03 0.6 1.4 23.5 12.5 19 FN – E309LT0-4

309L-PW 0.03 0.6 1.3 23.5 12.5 20 FN – E309LT1-4

P5 0.03 0.6 1.4 23.0 13.0 2.5 25 FN – E309LMoT0-4

* Ferrite content measured in all weld metal. FN 0–18 according to Schaeffler-DeLong, FN >18 according to WRC-92.

Mechanical properties, all weld metal, typical values Approvals

FCW Rp0.2 Rm Elong. Impact strength KV, J Hardness
N/mm2 N/mm2 A5 % +20°C –40°C Brinell TÜV DNV Lloyd’s RINA
308L 390 540 40 55 50 200 x x x

308L-PW 390 570 39 60 – 200

308H 390 580 41 90 50* 210

347 410 580 34 70 – 220

316L 390 550 38 55 – 210 x x x

316L-PW 400 560 37 60 55 210 x x x

317L 410 570 30 50 – 210

2205 590 810 29 55 40 240 x x x

2205-H 610 820 26 55 – 240 x x

2205-PW 610 840 28 60 – 240 x x

309L 400 560 34 45 40 210 x x x

309L-PW 390 550 35 55 – 210 x x x

P5 480 670 29 40 – 220 x x x x

* Tested at –70°C.

2
 Flux cored wire FCW

For welding the following steels Applications

EN ASTM AvestaPolarit Recommended
steel grade wire type
308L
1.4301 304 18-8 Low carbon 19/9 type wire with excellent general
corrosion resistance for welding ASTM 304/304L.
1.4307 304L 18-8L
FCW 308L, 308H 308H
1.4311 304LN 18-8LN
High carbon 19/9 type wire with enhanced creep
1.4541 321 18-10Ti resistance for welding ASTM 304.

1.4541 321 18-10Ti FCW 347

347
1.4436 316 17-12-2.5 Nb-stabilised 19/9 type wire for welding Nb and
Ti-stabilised steels of the ASTM 321 and 347 types.
1.4432 316L 17-12-2.5L
FCW 316L The wire produces a weldment offering better creep
1.4429 316LN 17-12-2.5LN resistance than 308L type wire in environments
where service temperatures exceed 400°C.
1.4571 316Ti 17-11-2Ti

1.4438 317L 18-14-3L 316L

FCW 317L
Low carbon 18/13/3 type
1.4439 S31726 17-14-4LN
wire alloyed with Mo for
1.4462 S31803 2205 FCW 2205 improved corrosion
resistance compared to 308L.
Dissimilar welds between non-molybdenum-
alloyed stainless steels and mild steel or low The wire is used for welding
FCW 309L
alloyed steels. Surfacing of mild or low ASTM 316/316L type steels.
alloyed steels.

Dissimilar welds between molybdenum-

alloyed stainless steels and mild steel.
Surfacing of mild or low alloyed steels.
FCW P5 317L
Produces a 19/14/4L weld metal with high corrosion
resistance in acid and chlorine containing
environments. For welding ASTM 317L and similar
types of steel.

Cast and helix
Cast and helix are used to describe two wire
properties, which are very important for the FCW
welding sequence.
Cast is the diameter of a single loop of wire, cut from
the spool and laid unrestrained on a flat surface.
Too high or too low a cast can cause wire-feeding
disturbance in the wire feeder as well as in the
ontact tip, which will have a negative effect on the
arc stability.
Helix is the vertical distance between the ends of a
single loop of wire, cut from the spool and laid
unrestrained on a flat surface. Too large a helix will
cause rotation of the wire in the feeder and contact
tip.
FCW from AvestaPolarit Welding has a cast of
800 –1300 mm and a helix of maximum 25 mm which
ensures best feedability and welding properties in
most applications and welding machines.
2205
Ferritic-austenitic (duplex) wire with very high proof
and tensile strength, as well as excellent resistance to
pitting corrosion and stress corrosion cracking.
FCW 2205 is produced with three different core
compositions. The 2205-H wire is specially designed
for welding in horizontal and vertical-up position
against ceramic backing.
309L
High alloyed 23/13L wire suitable for reliable, crack
resistant welds between mild steel and stainless
steels of the ASTM 304/304L type. Also for surfacing,
producing a 304 type deposit from the very first
layer.
P5
High alloyed 23/13/3L wire, suitable for reliable,
crack resistant welds between mild steel and stainless
steels of the ASTM 316/316L type. Also for surfacing,
producing a 316 type deposit from the very first
layer.

3
Flux cored wire FCW

Standard dimensions Packaging data

Layer wound on wire basket spools.
FCW Diameter, mm
0.90 mm diam. supplied on plastic spools.
0.90 1.20 1.60

308L, 316L x x x
OD 300 mm
309L, P5 x x
ID 51 mm
All others x Width 100 mm

Spool weights:
Storing
0.90 mm 5 kg
Stainless steel FCW is sensitive to moisture pick-up.
1.20 mm 15 kg
Although AvestaPolarit Welding consumables are
1.60 mm 17 kg
delivered in packages developed to be moisture
resistance we still recommend precautions to be
All FCW is supplied vacuum-packed, with a bag of
taken whilst storing and handling.
silica gel, to minimise the moisture absorption in
FCW should be kept in its unbroken original opened packages.
packages while stored. Storing in opened packages
may seriously reduce the durability of the product. Other packaging or dimensions are also available.
The temperature in the store-room should be kept as
constant as possible and should not be below
15°C ±5°C. Additional information
Further information on AvestaPolarit Welding
FCW should never be left unprotected for more than
products can be found in printed matter, such as
24 hours if the relative humidity exceeds 55%.
• Data sheets
FCW that has absorbed moisture cannot be redried. • Welding Handbook
• “How to weld...” (series of brochures covering
AvestaPolarit special grades)
Quality assurance and marking and on our web site www.avestapolarit.com/welding
AvestaPolarit Welding FCW is supplied with a 3.1.B
certificate, showing the actual chemical composition
of each lot and typical mechanical properties. Each
spool and package is marked as follows:

• AvestaPolarit Welding brand name AvestaPolarit Welding has been

• Lot number ISO 9002 approved since 1991.
Certificate No. FM 20031
• Weight of spool
• Standard designation (where applicable)
• Approval (where applicable)
• Warning label

4
 Flux cored wire FCW

Welding recommendations

Diameter Horizontal (PA) Vertical up (PF) Overhead (PE)

mm Current, A Voltage, V Current, A Voltage, V Current, A Voltage, V

0.90 80 – 160 22 – 28 80 – 130 22 – 26 80 – 150 22 – 27

1.20 150 – 280 24 – 32 140 – 170 23 – 28 150 – 200 24 – 29
1.60 200 – 320 26 – 34 – – – –

Welding speed is typically 20–60 cm/min for horizontal and 10–20 cm/min for vertical-up welding.

FCW welding is performed in the same way as solid In the figure below, the parameter range for FCW
MIG wire welding. The primary difference is that the 308L and 316L is shown. Welding is performed in the
slag and shielding gas combined, protect the arc, the horizontal position with Ar + 25% CO2 as shielding
melt pool and the heat affected plate. The slag makes gas.
FCW well suited to position welding. Another
noticeable difference is the wider parameter box, i.e. Parameter range, horisontal welding
greater range of current and voltage with good 38
welding result, which makes FCW welding an easier
36
method than solid MIG wire welding.
34
FCW welding is always performed using direct 32
current positive polarity, DC+. 30
Voltage, V

To obtain an even and smooth weld, free from defects 28

such as slag and porosity, it is important to maintain 26

0.90 mm diam.
the proper relation between current and voltage. Too 24
1.20 mm diam.
high a voltage will create a long arc, resulting in 22
1.60 mm diam.
heavy spatter, a wide weld and possibly a lack of 20
fusion. On the other hand, too low a voltage, i.e. 18
50 70 90 110 130 150 170 190 210 230 250 270 290 310 330 350
short arc, could result in a convex weld bead which is Current, A
likely to cause porosity and slag inclusions. It is
advisable to use a voltage at the high end of the Values shown are typical. Contact your local
recommended interval for each level of current. distributor or AvestaPolarit Welding AB for more
A wire stick-out of 15–25 mm will produce the best precise information.
result in most applications.
Welding can in most cases be performed using
1.20 mm diam. wire in all positions. However, for
thin gauges (typically 2–4 mm) and in some positions
a 0.90 mm diam. wire can be advantageous. 1.60 mm
diam. is mostly used when welding thick gauges
(>10 mm) in a horizontal position or when overlay
welding, for example, mild steel components.
Single side welding against ceramic backing is
common, especially for on-site welding, e.g. panels
in chemical carriers.

One common application for flux cored wire is for welding

cargo tanks in chemical tankers.

5
 Flux cored wire FCW

Shielding gases method such as Magne-Gage or ferritescope or

• Ar + 15–25% CO2 calculated in terms of the weld metal composition.
• 100% CO2 Nowadays, this latter approach is often preferred,
using either the Schaeffler-DeLong or WRC-92
The most frequently used shielding gas for FCW is
diagrams. The ferrite content is given as ferrite
argon with an addition of 15–25% CO2. This type of
number, FN. The relationship between percentage
shielding gas produces the most attractive result
and FN according to Schaeffler-DeLong correlate well
regarding arc stability, slag control and a minimum
up to 18 FN. Above this level, values should be given
of spatter.
according to WRC-92.
Welding can also be performed using a 100% CO2
shielding gas, however, with a somewhat more
unstable arc, increased spatter and reduced control of Nickel equivalent =
the melt pool. In this case a 2–3 V increase of the % Ni + 0.5 x % Mn + 30 x % C +30 x % N
voltage is necessary to obtain the right arc length.
The shielding gas flow rate should be 20–25 l/min.
30
Porosity may be the result, if the gas flow is too low

2 FN
FN
0

FN
or too high. Welding in vertical-up or overhead

FN
A=AUSTENITE

12
position may benefit from a somewhat lower gas 25

flow.
The high amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) is normally 20
A+F
not suitable for stainless steel welding, due to M+A
P5
enhanced carbon pick-up in the weld. This, however, 316L

is not a problem when FCW welding, since each 15

308L
2205

droplet in the arc is covered with slag, protecting it 347

%
F
40
from the surrounding atmosphere and shielding gas. 10

M=MARTENSITE M+A+F %F
Models for ferrite prediction 100
The ferrite content of a weldment can be described in 5

several different ways, for example given in per cent F

M+F F=FERRITE
+
Information 272201GB; supersedes inf. 9790. Teknisk information / Stilbildarna / Graphium Västra Aros 2001

according to ASTM E562. This method, however, is M

5 10 15 20 25 30
time consuming and expensive. The ferrite value is Chromium equivalent =
therefore normally given measured by a magnetic % Cr + % Mo + 1.5 x % Si +0.5 x % Nb

Information given in this brochure may be subject to alteration without notice.

Care has been taken to ensure that the contents of this publication are accurate but AvestaPolarit AB and its subsidiary companies do
not accept responsibility for errors or for information which is found to be misleading. Suggestions for or descriptions of the end use or
application of products or methods of working are for information only and the company and its subsidiaries accept no liability in respect
thereof. Before using products supplied or manufactured by the company the customer should satisfy himself of their suitability.
If further assistance is required, the company, which has extensive research facilities, will often be able to help.

AvestaPolarit Welding AB
P.O. Box 501, SE-774 27 Avesta, Sweden
Tel.: +46 (0)226 815 00
Fax: +46 (0)226 815 75

www.avestapolarit.com/welding