In welding processes, the use of consumable or non-consumable electrodes depends on the welding method:
- Plasma arc welding (A): Plasma arc welding typically uses a non-consumable electrode, which is not consumed during the process. The electrode only serves to generate the plasma arc.
- Gas metal arc welding (B): This process uses a consumable electrode, which is fed into the weld pool as filler material.
- Shielded metal arc welding (C): This welding process uses a consumable electrode, which melts and becomes part of the weld.
- Electron beam welding (D): This is a high-precision welding method that uses a focused beam of electrons to melt the material. It typically does not use a consumable electrode.
Thus, the correct answers are Option A and D.
Step 1: Analyzing each option
- Option (A): Plasma arc welding
- Correct: Plasma arc welding uses a non-consumable electrode.
- Option (B): Gas metal arc welding
- Incorrect: Gas metal arc welding uses a consumable electrode.
- Option (C): Shielded metal arc welding
- Incorrect: Shielded metal arc welding uses a consumable electrode.
- Option (D): Electron beam welding
- Correct: Electron beam welding does not use a consumable electrode.
Step 2: Conclusion
The correct answers are Option A and D.