Shielded metal arc welding

Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also known as manual metal arc welding (MMA or MMAW), flux shielded arc welding[1] or informally as stick welding, is a manual arc welding process that uses a consumable electrode covered with a flux to lay the weld.

An electric current, in the form of either alternating current or direct current from a welding power supply, is used to form an electric arc between the electrode and the metals to be joined. The workpiece and the electrode melts forming a pool of molten metal (weld pool) that cools to form a joint. As the weld is laid, the flux coating of the electrode disintegrates, giving off vapors that serve as a shielding gas and providing a layer of slag, both of which protect the weld area from atmospheric contamination.

Because of the versatility of the process and the simplicity of its equipment and operation, shielded metal arc welding is one of the world’s first and most popular welding processes. It dominates other welding processes in the maintenance and repair industry, and though flux-cored arc welding is growing in popularity, SMAW continues to be used extensively in the construction of heavy steel structures and in industrial fabrication. The process is used primarily to weld iron and steels (including stainless steel) but aluminium, nickel and copper alloys can also be welded with this method.

SHIELDWD METL ARC WELDING (SMAW)

What Is SMAW?

Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) also known as stick welding, is a manual process using a flux coated consumable electrode with a metal rod at the core.

Alternating current or direct current forms an arc between the electrode and the base metal creates the required heat. In the United States it is the most common method used.

The flux coating disintegrates and gives off vapors that serve as a shielding gas and provides a protective layer of slag.

Both protect the weld area from atmospheric contamination. As the metal rod inside the electrode melts it forms a molten pool which becomes the weld.

There are several variables the welder can control that will impact the width and height of the weld bead, the penetration of the weld and the quantity of spatter.

Stick welding is inexpensive when compared with other methods such as TIG. It is portable and works with any thickness and in any position.

The major downside is the slag created during the welding process along with slower speeds (unless you are highly skilled).