Which welding process uses a consumable electrode that produces both heat and filler metal?

• A. MIG welding
• B. TIG welding
• C. Stick welding
• D. Flux-cored arc welding

Answer: (A)

MIG welding, or Metal Inert Gas welding, utilizes a consumable electrode which melts to provide both the heat required for welding as well as the filler metal needed to create a strong joint between materials. The wire electrode continuously feeds through the welding gun into the weld pool, ensuring a stable arc and consistent filler contribution.

The process uses an inert or semi-inert gas to shield the weld area from contaminants, which helps improve the quality of the weld. This combination of features makes MIG welding a versatile and efficient process commonly used in various applications, especially in industries requiring high production rates.

Other welding processes like TIG welding use a non-consumable electrode and require separate filler metal, while stick welding relies on a consumable electrode that generates heat but also requires an external filler to be added. Flux-cored arc welding also employs a consumable electrode but has unique characteristics related to its core that make it different from MIG welding.