Self-shielded FCAW can utilize a long stick-out technique to increase deposition.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It reduces deposition
• D. It has no effect on deposition

Answer: (A)

In self-shielded FCAW, extending the stick-out changes the arc length. Because the shielding comes from the flux inside the electrode, you can increase the distance to the workpiece without losing protection. A longer arc length tends to lower current density and spreads heat over a wider area, creating a larger, more manageable puddle that can melt and incorporate more of the electrode metal as it transfers to the weld. With the wire feed and current kept appropriate, this means more filler metal is deposited into the weld per unit time, so deposition increases. Of course, if the stick-out is taken too far, arc stability can suffer and spatter can rise, so this is used within a practical range. So the statement is true.