Consumable metallic electrodes used in arc welding are usually of what type?

In arc welding, consumable metallic electrodes are typically heavily coated. This coating serves multiple essential purposes: it helps stabilize the arc, provides additional arc protection from contaminants in the atmosphere, and contributes to the quality of the weld. Heavily coated electrodes create a shielding gas when heated, which envelops the molten weld puddle, reducing oxidation and improving the overall integrity of the weld.

The coating also influences the composition and properties of the weld metal by adding alloying elements that may enhance toughness, strength, or corrosion resistance. As a result, the use of heavily coated electrodes is standard practice in various welding processes, such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), to achieve better results and maintain higher quality standards in welding applications.