Flux-cored arc welding deposition rate depends on wire type and diameter, wire-feed speed, current, voltage, shielding gas, stickout, position, and the procedure. A generic “vertical-up rate” can be misleading because a rate that deposits metal quickly may not produce acceptable fusion, bead shape, or weld properties in a particular joint. Use the filler-metal maker’s position-specific parameters as a starting reference and qualify the welding procedure for the work.
Manufacturer example: vertical and overhead
The values below are selected directly from Hobart’s TM-711M gas-shielded flux-cored wire data sheet. Its table groups vertical and overhead positions, so it does not isolate vertical-up alone. The rates are manufacturer-listed examples for this specific wire with 100% CO2 shielding gas at 35 cubic feet per hour, not average production rates or a universal E71T1 chart.
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The data sheet notes that actual results vary with plate chemistry, weldment design, fabrication method, electrode size, procedure, service requirements, and environment. It labels the information typical and disclaims it as a recommendation for uncontrolled welding conditions. AWS A5.20/A5.20M specifies classification requirements for carbon-steel FCAW electrodes; it does not turn these example operating points into a qualified welding procedure. Follow the current product data sheet, applicable code, and qualified welding procedure specification (WPS).
Why position changes the usable rate
In vertical-up welding, the weld pool must be controlled against gravity while the arc establishes fusion at the joint edges. Electrode formulation and slag behavior matter; the manufacturer describes this wire’s quick-freezing slag as aiding bead contour in vertical-up and overhead positions. That does not mean every joint, thickness, or operator can use the highest listed rate. Joint design, travel technique, pass sequence, heat input limits, and access all affect the usable production rate.
The table pairs the listed deposition rate with its associated voltage, current, and approximate wire-feed speed. These values belong together as points in the manufacturer’s parameter range. They are not a set of independent recommendations to combine arbitrarily. The sheet specifies 100% CO2 and says to reduce voltage by approximately one volt when using its argon/CO2 shielding mix; changing gas requires using the complete maker’s guidance rather than transferring only one number.
Deposition rate is not the same as completed weld length per hour. Time spent on setup, repositioning, cleaning, inspection, consumable changes, and pass transitions changes production output. Deposition efficiency, joint volume, deposition losses, and acceptance criteria also matter. A planning estimate should state its assumptions and should not be presented as a guaranteed shop rate.
Use the table to understand the scale and relationship among the listed parameters, not as a shortcut for selecting an amperage. The values belong to the product and test conditions named on the data sheet. A different wire classification, shielding gas, joint restraint, or position may call for a different range. Verify the current revision of the product sheet because manufacturers may revise operating information and packaging availability.
Build a safe, qualified procedure
Confirm the exact wire classification, diameter, shielding gas, polarity, power-source capability, and operating range. Check that the base metal, thickness, joint, welding position, preheat/interpass limits, and mechanical property requirements are covered by an approved WPS. Use the current AWS, code, and employer requirements that apply to the work. Do not substitute a typical data-sheet value for procedure qualification, inspection, or welder qualification.
Keep the work area ventilated and use the required PPE, fume controls, fire prevention, and hot-work procedures. Welding can produce hazardous fume, heat, UV radiation, and electrical risks. The product sheet points users to applicable welding safety precautions; local rules and site procedures govern. If the application is structural, pressure-retaining, or otherwise safety-critical, have the responsible welding engineer or inspector approve the procedure and acceptance criteria.
- Use position-specific data for the exact wire.
- Keep voltage, current, feed speed, gas, and stickout in context.
- Qualify the procedure and verify the resulting weld.
- Estimate production throughput separately from deposition rate.
Explore the shop tool guides, browse the reference charts, and read about workshop equipment planning.
References
See the Hobart TM-711M data sheet for full operating parameters, shielding-gas notes, product limitations, and safety information.
