In which welding method is a consumable electrode used?

MIG welding, or Metal Inert Gas welding, utilizes a consumable electrode that is continuously fed through the welding gun into the weld pool. This electrode, which is usually made of solid wire, melts during the welding process and becomes part of the weld bead. The combination of the wire electrode and the shielding gas protects the weld pool from contamination by the atmosphere, ensuring a clean, strong weld.

TIG welding, or Tungsten Inert Gas welding, differs significantly in that it uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the arc. In this method, filler material can be added separately, but the electrode itself does not melt during the process. Hence, MIG welding is characterized by the use of a consumable electrode, which is a distinctive feature that sets it apart from TIG welding.