An Introduction to SMAW and SAW Consumables

Two commonly used welding processes are shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and submerged arc welding (SAW). Both are versatile, slag-based processes that do not require external shielding gas. However, they are appropriate for very different applications and require different operator skills. 

SMAW is a manual process, requiring an operator who is skilled at reading the arc and manipulating the electrode even though some electrodes require less skill and training than others. SAW is typically a mechanized..