Accessories & consumables

Description

The types of consumables used depend heavily on the welding process, the base metals being joined, and the desired properties of the weld. Here are the basic types of welding consumables, categorized by their general function:

1. Filler Metals
   These are the primary materials that melt and fuse with the base metals to create the weld pool, forming the weld bead. They are the most common and essential type of consumable.
   • Electrodes (for Arc Welding)
     • Covered Electrodes (SMAW – Shielded Metal Arc Welding / Stick Welding)
       These are metal rods with a flux coating. The flux melts and vaporizes, creating a shielding gas to protect the weld pool from atmospheric contamination, and also provides deoxidizers and alloying elements.
       • Examples
         E6010, E7018, E308L-16 (for stainless steel).
     • Wire Electrodes (for GMAW/MIG & FCAW)
       • Solid Wire (GMAW – Gas Metal Arc Welding / MIG Welding)
         These are solid metal wires that are fed continuously through a welding gun. They require an external shielding gas to protect the weld pool.