In welding, what does GMAW stand for?

GMAW stands for Gas Metal Arc Welding, which is a commonly used welding process that involves the use of a continuously fed electrode wire and a shielding gas. In this process, the electric arc forms between the base material and the continuously-fed filler metal electrode, which melts and fuses the materials together. The shielding gas protects the molten weld pool from contamination by the surrounding atmosphere, ensuring a strong and clean weld.

This method is widely favored in various industries because it allows for high welding speeds and versatility in different positions and materials. Understanding this definition is crucial as it lays the groundwork for grasping more complex welding concepts and techniques that will be encountered in advanced studies.