What does the term SMAW stand for?

The term SMAW stands for Shielded Metal Arc Welding. This process involves using an electric arc to generate heat, which melts the base metal and the electrode. The electrode is coated with a material that produces a shielding gas and helps to stabilize the arc, protecting the molten metal from contamination by atmospheric gases.

This process is distinct from other welding methods as it requires a consumable electrode covered in a flux to protect the weld pool, which differentiates it from submerged arc welding and other related techniques. Shielded Metal Arc Welding is widely used because of its versatility and effectiveness in various applications, making it a foundational technique in the field of welding.