Why am I being told my current engine drive may not be sufficient for flux cored welding on structural steel?
In the past, engine-driven welding generators with a constant current (CC) output have dominated the rental and construction markets. Many contractors outfit these engine drives with a voltage-sensing wire feeder to enable flux cored welding. If you’re looking to buy a new engine drive, save the future headache and go straight for an engine drive that also features constant voltage (CV). Many engineering firms, construction companies, and building codes no longer allow flux cored welding with a CC power source. It does not provide adequate assurance the weld is being made with the proper voltage. For this reason, CV power sources are being required, especially for nickel-alloy flux cored wires used for structural welds on buildings and bridges. Some of the self-shielded wires are particularly voltage sensitive. A wide variety of multiprocess machines are available that feature both CC and CV capabilities.
