Which statement about GTAW electrodes is accurate?

• A. The electrode is consumable and supplies filler metal
• B. The electrode is nonconsumable and provides the arc but no filler
• C. The electrode is made of graphite
• D. The electrode must be copper

Answer: (B)

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding uses a nonconsumable tungsten electrode to establish the arc. Because the electrode is nonconsumable, it does not melt into the weld sheet and does not supply filler metal. Filler metal, when needed, is added separately with a filler rod. The electrode is not graphite (graphite is used in carbon arc processes) and it is not copper (GTAW electrodes are tungsten, often alloyed for performance). So the accurate idea is that the GTAW electrode is nonconsumable and provides the arc but no filler.