What is the function of a welding electrode?

The function of a welding electrode is to provide filler material and conduct current during the welding process. In welding, the electrode serves two essential purposes: it melts to add filler material to the weld joint, helping to create a strong bond between the materials being welded, and it also forms the electrical path that allows the welding arc to be established and maintained. This electrical flow is crucial for generating the high heat necessary to melt both the electrode and the base materials, forming a solid and robust weld once cooled.

The other options, though they reference important aspects of welding, do not accurately describe the primary role of an electrode. Gas protection is typically provided by shielding gas in processes like MIG and TIG welding. Monitoring temperature is a separate concern that is usually managed through other means such as temperature sensors, rather than the electrode itself. Aligning materials, while important, is not a function of the electrode; it is usually achieved through appropriate positioning and clamping techniques prior to welding.