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Welding Flux for Submerged Arc & Specialty Welding

Welding flux is selected based on welding process, material thickness, and the required weld characteristics. In submerged arc welding, flux plays a critical role in shielding the arc and influencing weld chemistry during deposition.

Different flux types are used to control slag behavior, arc stability, and weld profile, allowing operators to match the flux to production requirements and welding conditions.
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Welding Flux for Consistent, High-Quality Weld Performance

Welding flux is used in submerged arc and specialty welding processes to protect the weld pool, stabilize the arc, and control weld results. Without the correct flux, weld consistency, slag formation, and penetration are affected. This submerged arc welding flux is used in high-deposition welding where repeatable performance is required.

At WeldingMart, you can buy welding flux in the forms and packaging needed for production work. Our in-stock selection is ready to ship, so you’re not waiting on material. We stock submerged arc welding flux designed for stable arc performance, clean slag removal, and consistent weld results across demanding applications.

Shop Shop All Welding Wire & Rod or browse submerged arc welding wire to complete your setup.

Benefits

  • Stabilizes the arc and protects the weld pool for consistent weld quality
  • Controls slag formation and penetration for clean, repeatable results
  • In-stock and ready to ship to keep production and fabrication moving

Frequently Asked Questions

What is submerged arc welding flux and why is it sold separately from the wire?
In submerged arc welding (SAW), a granular flux is poured over the joint ahead of the arc. The arc burns completely buried under this flux blanket — hence 'submerged' — which shields the weld pool, stabilizes the arc, and contributes alloying elements to the deposit. Flux and wire are sold separately because the flux-wire combination determines final weld chemistry and mechanical properties; choosing the right pairing for the base metal and code requirements is critical.
What SAW fluxes does this store carry, and what are they used for?
This collection includes Lincoln Electric's Lincolnweld® SAW flux line. The Lincolnweld® 780® (ED019586, 50 lb bag) and 860® (ED019589, 50 lb bag) are general-purpose carbon steel SAW fluxes covering structural plate and pipe applications. The 888® (ED031596, 50 lb plastic bag) and 761® (ED032765, 50 lb plastic bag) address specific alloy and productivity requirements. The LA490 flux (FXLA490SA-25SRB, 25 kg Sahara ReadyBag) is designed for chrome-moly applications and paired with Lincoln's LA-series SAW wires.
What is the difference between a fused SAW flux and an agglomerated (bonded) flux?
Fused flux is manufactured by melting raw materials together, then crushing the solidified mass into granules. It is chemically homogeneous, non-hygroscopic, and handles rough shipping well — but alloying additions cannot easily be incorporated. Agglomerated or bonded flux is made by mixing dry powdered ingredients with a binder and baking at lower temperatures; this allows alloy additions to be blended in, but the flux absorbs moisture more readily and requires proper storage and pre-bake procedures per AWS A5.17/A5.23.
How much SAW flux do I typically need relative to wire consumed?
A general rule of thumb is that SAW consumes roughly equal weights of flux and wire — approximately 1 lb of flux per 1 lb of wire deposited. Actual flux consumption varies with current, travel speed, joint geometry, and whether flux is reclaimed and reused. Used flux that has been properly crushed and screened can often be blended back with fresh flux up to 50–50, per AWS guidelines, without degrading weld quality — verify with your flux manufacturer's specific recommendations.