What type of electrodes are used up during the welding process?

Consumable electrodes are used in welding processes where they are melted and fused into the weld joint as part of the material being joined. These electrodes provide filler material that becomes a part of the weld, which is crucial during processes like MIG and TIG welding. As the welding progresses, the consumable electrodes supply the necessary material for creating a strong and durable bond between the workpieces.

Non-consumable electrodes, in contrast, do not melt away; instead, they conduct electricity and may need to be mechanically fed into the weld area, as seen in processes such as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding. Direct current and alternating current options refer to the type of electrical current used in the welding process but do not define the characteristics of the electrode in terms of consumption. Therefore, consumable electrodes are specifically what is utilized when the electrode material is intended to become part of the weld itself.