Red Seal Metal Fabricator (Fitter) Practice Exam

In which welding process is a non-consumable electrode used?

1. MIG welding

2. TIG welding

3. Stick welding

4. Flux-cored arc welding

The correct answer is: TIG welding

TIG welding, or Tungsten Inert Gas welding, utilizes a non-consumable electrode made of tungsten. This electrode does not melt during the welding process; instead, it generates an electric arc that melts the base metal and the filler material if used. The process is known for producing high-quality welds with excellent control over the heat input, making it suitable for welding thin materials and achieving clean, precise joints. In contrast, the other welding processes listed employ consumable electrodes. In MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, a continuously fed wire serves as both the electrode and filler material. Stick welding uses a coated electrode that melts and becomes part of the weld pool. Similarly, flux-cored arc welding relies on a tubular wire filled with flux that also melts during the process to protect the weld area.