Abstract: Structural characteristics of the multi-strands welding wire and its arc characteristics as a fusion electrode welding material were introduced in detail,and its research progress of various welding methods and the current status of welding applications were discussed comprehensively. Moreover,its future development was prospected. Judging from the current research results,the research on multi-strands welding wire mainly focused on large-diameter carbon steel and stainless steel. As a molten electrode welding material,the multi-strands welding wire had characteristics of arc coupling,rotating arc and stirring molten pool to help improve comprehensive performance of welded joints,which could effectively solve problems that were difficult to solve for traditional welding wire,such as large heat input of large-diameter welding wire,uneven weld microstructure,large weld porosity,poor sidewall fusion and low deposition speed. Due to the high production cost,lack of relevant standards and supporting welding power and welding auxiliary equipment,the promotion and application of the multi-strands welding wire was restricted. Therefore,some suggestions were made for the future development of the multi-stranded welding wire in the paper.