Which welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode?

Which welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode?

• A. SMAW
• B. GTAW
• C. GMAW
• D. FCAW

Answer: (B)

Using a non-consumable tungsten electrode means the electrode does not melt into the weld; it stays intact while the arc heats the workpiece. In gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), also known as TIG, a tungsten electrode conducts the current to create the arc, while shielding gas protects the molten pool. Filler metal, if needed, is added separately. Because the electrode is not consumed, GTAW delivers precise welds and clean results, especially on thin materials and with metals like stainless steel and aluminum. The other common welding methods use consumable electrodes that melt and become part of the weld metal: SMAW uses a coated stick electrode, GMAW uses a consumable wire, and FCAW also uses a flux-core consumable wire. These are not non-consumable tungsten-electrode processes, which is why GTAW is the correct choice.

Using a non-consumable tungsten electrode means the electrode does not melt into the weld; it stays intact while the arc heats the workpiece. In gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), also known as TIG, a tungsten electrode conducts the current to create the arc, while shielding gas protects the molten pool. Filler metal, if needed, is added separately. Because the electrode is not consumed, GTAW delivers precise welds and clean results, especially on thin materials and with metals like stainless steel and aluminum.

The other common welding methods use consumable electrodes that melt and become part of the weld metal: SMAW uses a coated stick electrode, GMAW uses a consumable wire, and FCAW also uses a flux-core consumable wire. These are not non-consumable tungsten-electrode processes, which is why GTAW is the correct choice.