Which welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode?

Which welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode?

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

Answer: (B)

A non-consumable tungsten electrode is used in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, commonly called TIG welding. In this process the tungsten electrode heats the workpiece to form the arc, but unlike other welding methods it does not melt and become part of the weld. The tungsten tip remains intact, guiding the arc while filler metal can be added separately if needed. Shielding gas, typically argon or a mix, protects the molten pool from contamination. In the other processes, the electrode that creates the weld arc is consumable and melts to become part of the weld: flux-cored or solid wire electrodes in FCAW and GMAW, and a covered stick electrode in SMAW. That difference—the electrode being consumable versus non-consumable—is what distinguishes GTAW.

A non-consumable tungsten electrode is used in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, commonly called TIG welding. In this process the tungsten electrode heats the workpiece to form the arc, but unlike other welding methods it does not melt and become part of the weld. The tungsten tip remains intact, guiding the arc while filler metal can be added separately if needed. Shielding gas, typically argon or a mix, protects the molten pool from contamination.

In the other processes, the electrode that creates the weld arc is consumable and melts to become part of the weld: flux-cored or solid wire electrodes in FCAW and GMAW, and a covered stick electrode in SMAW. That difference—the electrode being consumable versus non-consumable—is what distinguishes GTAW.