The art of joining and repairing metal works, machines, and other applicable materials using the method called stick welding has developed throughout the years. Now, it is perhaps the most popular among the many different welding methods. This makes a stick welder a highly demanded job anywhere in the world. Here is how the technique developed from until today:

Carbon Arc Torch

The electric arc was invented in the year 1800 and was used extensively until the carbon arch torch was developed in 1881. The patent was owned by Auguste de Meritens. This of course lead to the development carbon arc welding later in 1887 with more patents the following years.

Consumable Electrodes

The technique first begun showing similarities to the modern SMAW method when the consumable electrode was developed in the year 1888. Another patent of the consumable electrode was developed in 1890 and made use of metal electrode for arc welding. When used in SMAW, a stick welder uses the melted electrode as filler weld.

Coated Electrodes

Modern stick welders uses coated electrode. The flux around the rod disintegrates during the melting process and the resulting gas protects the work materials from absorbing gases in the air. But it was not until the year 1900 when the first coated electrode was invented. It went through numerous changes since then. Back then, they even used lime and clay as coating.

Automated SMAW

This is a revolutionary development of the SMAW method. Also called gravity welding, the technique was widely publicized by Japanese for use in shipyards. However, the manual SMAW still remains more popular nowadays.