ERW or FCAW?

[bladeo]

Gents, Comparatively,Is ERW welding better than FCAW in pipe making no matter what the size of pipe? Which gives the better overall weld? Thanks

 

[SJones]

Neither. It's all down to quality assurance and quality control which isn't a function of the welding process. Which specification are you referring to because it isn't ISO 3183?

Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04

 

[bladeo]

sjones, no spec., just a generalized question all things being equal assuming both have adequate levels of quality assurance. Which is better and why? Thanks

 

[SJones]

If you are a pipe manufacturer: the cheapest. If you are an end user: the one that makes you feel most comfortable.

Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04

 

[Ron]

Most manufactured pipe is done by ERW. It is fast, and usually reasonable quality.

Automated FCAW works well, but requires more preparation of joint.

More steps involved in FCAW.

Either can and will have flaws.

 

[GenB]

both are the same as strength is concern, fcaw is not economic for mass production
erw is not economic for small jobs