What is another name for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)?
A Stick welding
B TIG welding
C MIG welding
D Gas welding
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Stick welding.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is commonly referred to as stick welding. This name comes from the use of a consumable electrode, often referred to as a “stick,” which is coated in flux. When the electrode is struck against the workpiece, an electric arc is created, causing the electrode to melt and deposit material onto the surface, forming a weld. The flux coating on the electrode produces a shielding gas that protects the molten weld pool from contaminants like oxygen and nitrogen, preventing defects in the weld.
In SMAW, the welder holds the electrode with a welding rod holder and moves it along the joint to create the weld. The process is often used for welding steel, stainless steel, and other ferrous metals. It is considered a versatile and portable method because it does not require a shielding gas supply and can be used in outdoor environments where wind might disrupt other welding processes.
The other options listed are different welding methods:
- B. TIG welding (Tungsten Inert Gas welding) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and requires a separate filler rod for welding.
- C. MIG welding (Metal Inert Gas welding) uses a continuously fed wire electrode and shielding gas for welding.
- D. Gas welding (also called oxy-acetylene welding) uses a flame from a mixture of oxygen and acetylene gases to melt and fuse the workpieces.
While stick welding is often used for heavy-duty applications and is especially useful in situations where portability is needed, it is generally slower compared to other methods like MIG and TIG welding, which provide cleaner welds in more controlled environments.