GTAW uses what type of electrode?

GTAW uses what type of electrode?

• A. Non-consumable tungsten electrode
• B. Consumable graphite electrode
• C. Ceramic-coated aluminum electrode
• D. Copper alloy electrode

Answer: (A)

In GTAW, the arc is carried by a non-consumable electrode made of tungsten. Tungsten has an extremely high melting point, so it can sustain the electric arc without melting away. This lets the welder feed filler metal separately into the weld pool while the electrode remains intact, with shielding gas protecting the pool from the atmosphere. Using a consumable electrode would mean the electrode itself melts and becomes part of the weld, which is not how GTAW works. A graphite electrode would not be suitable here because it would contaminate the weld and it’s not how GTAW is designed to operate. A ceramic-coated aluminum electrode isn’t a standard GTAW electrode, and a copper alloy electrode would also be consumable and could introduce alloying elements into the weld.

In GTAW, the arc is carried by a non-consumable electrode made of tungsten. Tungsten has an extremely high melting point, so it can sustain the electric arc without melting away. This lets the welder feed filler metal separately into the weld pool while the electrode remains intact, with shielding gas protecting the pool from the atmosphere.

Using a consumable electrode would mean the electrode itself melts and becomes part of the weld, which is not how GTAW works. A graphite electrode would not be suitable here because it would contaminate the weld and it’s not how GTAW is designed to operate. A ceramic-coated aluminum electrode isn’t a standard GTAW electrode, and a copper alloy electrode would also be consumable and could introduce alloying elements into the weld.