A sub-group of fusion welding where electric arc is used to supply necessary heat for melting the faying surfaces of the base metals is termed as arc welding. Here the electric arc is established between an electrode and the base metals when sufficient potential difference is applied across them. For few arc welding processes, the electrode is allowed to melt and subsequently deposit on the weld bead to supply filler

Arc welding processes are a subgroup of fusion welding as an electric arc established between an electrode and base plates is used to supply heat for melting the faying surfaces for coalescence formation during welding. The electrode is sometimes consumable, while it is non-consumable in other few arc welding processes. Apart from assisting in arc formation, a consumable electrode melts owing to arc heating, and subsequently deposits on the weld