What is the characteristic of the welding process GMAW?

The Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) process is characterized by its use of a continuously fed, consumable electrode, which is actually a wire that acts as both the filler metal and the electrode. The welding is carried out in a shielding gas environment, which protects the molten weld pool from contamination.

The correct answer emphasizes the role of the consumable electrode in the GMAW process. This electrode is melted during the process and contributes to the overall weld, allowing for efficient and effective joining of metals.

The other options do not align with the characteristics of GMAW. For example, using a flux-coated electrode is typical of the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process and not GMAW, where the shielding is provided by a gas rather than a flux. While high deposition rates can indeed be a feature of GMAW, it is not the defining characteristic compared to the role of the consumable electrode. Non-consumable electrodes are found in processes like Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), which is distinctly different from GMAW.