What is Arc Welding Electrode in Welding?

The electrode is a part of the welding system that conducts current to the arc. It terminates at the arc and may be consumable or non-consumable. The consumable type is melted in the weld pool, while the non-consumable does not melt and becomes a part of the weld.

Types of arc welding electrodes

There are 2 types of arc welding electrodes:

The consumable type is melted in the weld pool, while the non-consumable does not melt and becomes a part of the weld. The most common type of consumable electrode is made of steel and coated with flux. The flux coating protects the steel from oxidation and contamination. When welding with a consumable electrode, the arc melts the electrode and the flux, which forms a slag that covers the weld pool.
Non-consumable electrodes are made of materials such as tungsten, graphite, or ceramic. They are not consumed during welding and do not leave any slag on the weld.

Arc welding is a type of welding that uses an electric arc to create heat for melting the metals being joined. The arc is created between the electrode and the workpiece. As the electrode is consumed, it releases filler metal into the weld pool to join the metals.

Parts of the electrode in welding

The electrode consists of 3 parts:

The core is made of steel or another conductive metal.
The coating is made of flux or other material that protects the weld pool from contamination.
The tip is the part that melts and releases filler metal into the weld pool.

When welding with a consumable electrode, the arc melts the electrode and the flux, which forms a slag that covers the weld pool. The slag must be removed before welding can continue. Non-consumable electrodes do not leave any slag on the weld.