Arc welding is one class of fusion welding where the faying surfaces of the base metals are melted by supplying heat through an electric arc. The arc is constituted between an electrode and the base metals. Arc welding electrodes can be broadly classified as consumable and non-consumable. While few arc welding processes utilize consumable electrode, others employ non-consumable electrode. Consumable electrodes are meant for melting during the welding to supply

In arc welding processes, the heat (thermal energy) required for melting the faying surfaces of the parent components are supplied by an electric arc. This arc is established between an electrode and the metallic components – both connected to a power source. The arc welding electrode can be either consumable or non-consumable. A consumable electrode melts down during welding due to the arc heating, and the molten metal subsequently deposits