Which welding process is characterized by its use of a continuously fed electrode and shielding gas?

MIG welding, or Metal Inert Gas welding, is characterized by its use of a continuously fed electrode, which is typically a solid wire. In this process, the electrode is fed through a welding gun and is melted at the weld pool to join metals together. The MIG process also relies on a shielding gas—commonly argon, helium, or a mixture of these—flowing through the nozzle to protect the weld area from atmospheric contamination, ensuring a clean and quality weld.

The combination of the continuously fed electrode and the shielding gas makes MIG welding highly efficient and suitable for various applications, particularly in both thin and thicker materials. This process is known for its ease of use and versatility, making it a popular choice among welders.

In contrast, other welding processes may not utilize a continuously fed electrode or may employ different methods of shielding. For example, TIG welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and often requires a filler rod to be added manually, while Stick welding utilizes a consumable electrode coated in flux but is not continuously fed. FCAW, or Flux-Cored Arc Welding, is similar to MIG welding but instead uses a tubular wire filled with flux, which provides shielding without needing an external gas supply, although it doesn't match the