Which welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode with an inert shielding gas?

Which welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode with an inert shielding gas?

• A. SMAW
• B. GTAW
• C. GMAW
• D. FCAW

Answer: (B)

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an inert shielding gas. The tungsten electrode stays intact because it doesn’t melt, while the inert gas (like argon or helium) protects the molten weld from the air, preventing oxidation and contamination. This combination allows for precise control and clean, high-quality welds, often with or without adding filler metal as needed. Other common welding methods use consumable electrodes or flux-based shielding and do not rely on a non-melting tungsten electrode with inert gas, which is why they aren’t the right match for this description.

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an inert shielding gas. The tungsten electrode stays intact because it doesn’t melt, while the inert gas (like argon or helium) protects the molten weld from the air, preventing oxidation and contamination. This combination allows for precise control and clean, high-quality welds, often with or without adding filler metal as needed. Other common welding methods use consumable electrodes or flux-based shielding and do not rely on a non-melting tungsten electrode with inert gas, which is why they aren’t the right match for this description.