Which welding process typically uses a non-consumable electrode and may require a separate filler metal?

Which welding process typically uses a non-consumable electrode and may require a separate filler metal?

• A. SMAW (Stick)
• B. GMAW (MIG)
• C. GTAW (TIG)
• D. FCAW (Flux-Cored)

Answer: (C)

TIG welding uses a non-consumable electrode. The electrode is a tungsten rod that does not melt into the weld pool, so the electrode itself stays intact while the weld metal is added separately—usually with a filler rod if filler is needed for the joint. This setup is often chosen when precise control, clean welds, or specific filler metal chemistry are important. Shielding gas, typically argon, protects the weld area from contamination, but the key point is that the tungsten electrode isn’t consumed as the weld progresses, unlike other processes that rely on a consumable electrode that melts away to form the weld.

TIG welding uses a non-consumable electrode. The electrode is a tungsten rod that does not melt into the weld pool, so the electrode itself stays intact while the weld metal is added separately—usually with a filler rod if filler is needed for the joint. This setup is often chosen when precise control, clean welds, or specific filler metal chemistry are important. Shielding gas, typically argon, protects the weld area from contamination, but the key point is that the tungsten electrode isn’t consumed as the weld progresses, unlike other processes that rely on a consumable electrode that melts away to form the weld.