This welding method employs a continuous electrode to create an arc between the welding rod and the workpiece. The addition of a thick granular flux forms a shield that protects the weld zone from atmospheric contamination during operations.

This welding method — also referred to as stick welding — uses a welding rod coated in flux that carries a high-power electrical current. The coating breaks down during welding operations, forming a layer of slag and a gas shield that protects the weld as it cools. Commonly used on iron and steel, stick welding is the simplest welding technique. As such, it’s used extensively for industrial fabrication applications.

This welding method — also known as MIG welding — relies on an adjustable and continuous solid wire electrode. During operations, the electric arc formed between the workpiece and the electrode heats and melts the base metals to form the weld. Commonly used on steel, MIG welding does require the use of consumable filler material (i.e., the feeding wire). However, compared to TIG welding, it’s faster and easier to control.

This welding method — also called TIG welding — requires a non-consumable tungsten electrode. It produces strong welds without fillers. Commonly used for aluminum and aluminum alloys, TIG welding produces a better surface finish than MIG welding and doesn’t require a filler material to produce the weld.

This welding method is similar to GMAW welding, except it utilizes a tubular wire electrode filled with flux rather than a solid wire electrode. Self-shielded FCAW operations rely only on flux to protect the weld zone, while dual-shielded FCAW operations rely on both flux and an external shielding gas.