What is shielded metal arc welding also known as?

Shielded metal arc welding is commonly known as Stick welding. This term derives from the use of consumable electrode rods, or “sticks,” that are coated with flux. During the welding process, the electrode is struck against the workpiece to produce an electric arc. This arc then melts the electrode, forming a weld pool while the flux coating vaporizes, providing a shielding gas to protect the molten weld from atmospheric contamination.

The significance of this technique lies in its versatility, being suitable for various metals and thick materials. Knowledge of Stick welding is essential for understanding different welding applications and techniques in the field.

The other options refer to different welding processes: MIG welding involves a continuous wire feed and inert gas shielding, TIG welding employs a non-consumable tungsten electrode for welding, and flux-cored welding uses a tubular wire filled with flux to protect the weld pool. Each of these processes has distinct characteristics and applications that differentiate them from Stick welding.