When it comes to welding, managers choose from a variety of welding electrodes to facilitate specific welding processes. The type of electrode used depends on the material being welded, the type of welding process, and the use of gases, both inert or semi-inert gases and shielding gases in arc welding.

If you're looking for welding electrodes as part of your initial buying process or to resupply an existing shop, you can find different kinds of electrodes online. Business leaders look for specific welding electrodes for purposes like the following:

1. For TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding, where a non-consumable tungsten electrode is part of the electrical arc used for this type of arc welding.

2. For MIG (metal inert gas) welding and similar types of arc welding where consumable welding electrodes are used.

3. For processes requiring various compositions of electrodes to blend filler material that will later be ground down or "finished."

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get copper or silver tungsten welding electrodes and mixes for resistance welding

Some vendors offer arc welding electrodes for sale composed of either silver or copper 'infiltration' for tungsten electrodes. These types of electrodes are part of stock supplies for some kinds of resistance and TIG welding. Find these mixes from dedicated providers.

I recommend: Sherbrooke Metals includes copper/silver mixes in their catalog of welding electrode types. Another arc welding electrode provider, Deeco Metals Corporation, offers similar mixes of copper and silver for electrodes and wires, as well as an array of TIG welding gear.

Get consumable welding electrodes for MIG welding

Some welding processes, like MIG, use consumable electrodes where material is added to a weld spot. For this common practice, you need electrodes that will add material as they are used. Find consumable electrodes for your arc welding and welding electrode information online from distributors that cover MIG and similar arc welding needs.

I recommend: Spot Weld includes consumable electrodes in a wide range of welding material featured online. Ameriwelding features some MIG electrodes in its catalog as well as tungsten electrode types for other kinds of arc welding.

Get a variety of welding electrodes from 'welding clearing house' sites

Other companies have a wealth of electrodes using many different metals for whatever arc welding process you are contemplating. Browse online catalogs and get great support from companies that routinely offer gear for arc welding to business clients.

I recommend: R R Welding Supply offers buyers a whole lot of equipment for MIG, TIG and other arc welding pursuits. In their impressive catalog of welding electrodes, they offer the following: carbide, carbon, ceramic, copper tungsten, cutting, gas diffusion, hard surfacing, manganese and molybdenum. For more choices, try Umicor, a "clean materials" company. Umicore is an ISO 14001 certified manufacturer of electrodes including cutting electrodes, welding electrodes, welding rods and wire.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find out about compatibility when you buy electrodes. A bunch of electrodes won't do you any god if they don't meet the requirements of your process. Before doing a quick electrode purchase, double check on what your arc welding process can be best served with, based on factors like shielding gases and types of base material.