Arc Welding

Arc welding is a process which uses the concentrated heat of an electric arc to join metal by fusion of the parent metal and the addition of metal to joint usually provided by a consumable electrode. Either direct or alternating current may be used for the arc, depending upon the material to be welded and the electrode used.

Arc welding uses a welding power supply to create an electric arc between an electrode and the base material to melt the metals at the welding point. They can use either direct (DC) or alternating (AC) current, and consumable or non-consumable electrodes. The welding region is sometimes protected by some type of inert or semi-inert gas, known as shielding gas, and/or an evaporating filler material. The process of arc welding is widely used because of its low capital and running costs.