In which welding process is a filler metal typically used?

The process where a filler metal is typically used is Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). In SMAW, a consumable electrode coated in flux is used to create the weld. As the electrode melts during the welding process, it not only fills the joint between the parts being welded but also provides the necessary material to create a strong bond while the flux helps protect the molten weld from contamination and oxidation.

Other welding processes, such as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), do have the option to use a filler metal, but they can also be performed without it, particularly when welding thin materials where the base metal can melt and form a sufficient joint. Resistance welding, on the other hand, primarily relies on the heat generated by electrical resistance to join the materials without the use of a filler metal. AWG welding is not a standard term recognized in the welding community, making it less relevant to the discussion. Thus, it is clear that SMAW is the primary process involving a filler metal typically during its application.