Which statement best distinguishes flux-core welding from SMAW in terms of deposition rate?

• A. FCAW typically has higher deposition rate than SMAW
• B. SMAW deposition rate is higher than FCAW
• C. Both have the same deposition rate
• D. Deposition rate is not a consideration in either process

Answer: (C)

Deposition rate is about how much weld metal is laid down per hour. Flux-core welding uses a continuous tubular wire that feeds steadily into the arc, and it often runs at higher currents with less interruption. SMAW relies on individual coated electrodes that must be changed frequently, with more time spent stopping to replace electrodes and chip slag, which slows progress. Because of the continuous wire feed and higher potential travel speeds in FCAW, you typically deposit more metal per hour than with SMAW. So, the statement that deposition rates are the same doesn’t hold in most practical cases; FCAW usually achieves a higher deposition rate.