What are the four main types of welding processes?

The answer identifies four major welding processes that are widely recognized and used in various applications. Arc welding is a process that uses an electric arc to melt and join metals, being one of the most fundamental and versatile techniques. MIG welding, or Metal Inert Gas welding, employs a continuous wire feed and a shielding gas to protect the weld pool from contamination, making it popular for its ease of use and speed. TIG welding, or Tungsten Inert Gas welding, utilizes a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce a stable arc and requires a filler material to be manually added, offering high precision and control for thinner materials. Stick welding, also known as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), uses a consumable electrode to create the arc and shield the weld pool from atmospheric contamination, making it effective for various materials and conditions.

These four processes encompass a broad range of capabilities and materials, which is why they are considered the main types in the field of welding, serving different needs across industries. Other choices mention processes that are either more specialized or less commonly used, making them less representative of the core welding techniques found in general practice.