Which welding process utilizes a flux coated electrode?

The welding process that utilizes a flux coated electrode is Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). In this process, an electrode covered with a flux coating is used to create an arc between the electrode and the workpiece. The heat generated from the arc melts both the electrode and the workpiece, forming a weld pool. The flux coating serves multiple purposes, including protecting the molten weld metal from atmospheric contamination, stabilizing the arc, and assisting in the formation of a slag cover over the finished weld. This makes SMAW a versatile and widely used process in various applications, especially in fieldwork and maintenance due to its capability to be used with different materials and in various positions.

The other processes listed do not primarily use a flux coated electrode. For example, Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) uses a continuously fed solid wire as the electrode and relies on shielding gas for protection. Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) does use a flux, but it is within the core of the continuous tubular electrode, rather than a coating like in SMAW. Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) uses a granular flux but does not involve a conventional electrode in the same way. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why SMAW is the correct