Arc welding uses concentrated heat generated by an electric arc to weld metals together. The arc occurs from the base material to the electrode, the welding rod or wire, and melts the metal. Then the welder can fuse the molten metal and craft it into a weld to create a strong joint.

Instead of using gas like other welding processes, arc welding uses electricity, with some types requiring either direct currents (DC) or alternating currents (AC). Different types of arc welding include:

• Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG or MAG Welding)
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG Welding)
• Flux-Cored Arc Welding
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick Welding)
• Robotic Arc Welding
• Robotic Spot Welding

Arc welding is used across various industries, including automotive, shipbuilding, construction and aerospace. Robotic arc welding is best for applications needing high accuracy, repeatability and efficiency.