A welding electrode is an electrically conductive rod or wire used in arc welding to create and sustain the electric arc, and—depending on the process—as a filler material for the weld joint. It plays a key role in arc ignition, arc stability, and weld quality.
There are two main types:
- Shielded metal arc electrodes (SMAW): coated stick electrodes for manual welding
- Wire electrodes (used in MIG/MAG, TIG, and SAW processes): available as solid wire or cored wire, continuously fed during welding
The composition, diameter, and coating (or shielding gas compatibility) of a welding electrode are selected based on the base material, welding method, and mechanical requirements.
Typical applications include steel construction, pressure vessel fabrication, shipbuilding, automotive welding, and repair and maintenance work.
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