Which welding process uses a non-consumable wire electrode and shielding gas?

• A. Stick
• B. TIG
• C. MIG
• D. Flux-Cored

Answer: (B)

Non-consumable electrode with shielding gas is the hallmark of TIG welding. In this process the electrode is a tungsten rod that does not melt during welding, and the arc current heats the workpiece while keeping the electrode intact. Shielding gas, typically argon (sometimes with helium), surrounds the weld to protect the molten pool from air contamination. Filler metal is added separately with a handheld rod when a weld is needed, but the electrode itself remains non-consumable. This combination provides precise, clean welds and is ideal for thin materials and high-quality joints. In contrast, processes that use a consumable wire electrode—where the wire melts and becomes part of the weld—include MIG welding; flux-cored welding uses a hollow wire with flux; and stick welding relies on a coated rod and slag for protection rather than a shielding gas.