Visual Testing (VT) Practice Exam

Which welding process provides shielding through the electrode covering?

1. SMAW

2. GTAW

3. GMAW

4. Brazing

The correct answer is: SMAW

The correct answer is SMAW, or Shielded Metal Arc Welding. This process is characterized by the use of a consumable electrode coated with a flux. When the electrode is melted during welding, the flux covering vaporizes and creates a shielding gas which protects the weld area from atmospheric contamination. This is essential for ensuring the quality and strength of the weld. In contrast, processes like GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) and GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) rely predominantly on external shielding gases supplied from tanks, rather than an electrode covering. GTAW uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and employs inert gases to shield the weld puddle. GMAW utilizes a continuously fed wire electrode, similarly employing shielding gas from an external source. Brazing, on the other hand, is a different joining process that does not involve welding but instead uses a filler metal with a melting point above 450°C, again not providing shielding through an electrode. Therefore, SMAW stands out due to its unique method of shielding provided by the electrode’s flux coating, making it the appropriate choice for the question.