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), commonly referred to as stick welding, is one of the oldest and most widely used welding processes. It is characterized by the use of a consumable electrode coated in a flux material. When the electrode is struck against the workpiece, an electric arc is created, which melts both the electrode and the workpiece, allowing them to fuse together. The flux coating around the electrode helps to protect the weld from contaminants in the air and also produces a shielding gas that prevents oxidation during the welding process.
Stick welding is often chosen for its versatility, portability, and ability to work in outdoor or adverse conditions. It can be used on a variety of metals, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and cast iron, and it is particularly popular for construction, maintenance, and repair tasks. The electrode is continuously consumed during the welding process, so it needs to be replaced periodically, which makes it different from other processes like TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) or MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding that use non-consumable electrodes.
On the other hand, TIG welding (B) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode, while MIG welding (C) utilizes a continuously fed wire electrode. Gas welding (D), often referred to as oxy-acetylene welding, involves using a flame produced by burning a mixture of oxygen and acetylene to melt the metal.
Due to the simplicity and low cost of the equipment involved, SMAW is often favored by both beginners and professionals alike, especially when working in field conditions or on heavy machinery.