Since the invention of this tool and throughout its history, a variety of welding processes have been used. As you can imagine, some are more popular and more widely used than others. In that regard, we can identify 4 main processes: MMA, MIG, TIG, and FCAW welding.
MMA welding (known as SMAW): It uses a flux-coated consumable electrode to place the weld into the original material.
MIG welding (known as GMAW): This method uses a wire electrode on a reel that is automatically fed at a preselected and constant speed.
TIG welding (known as GTAW): This arc welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to solder.
FCAW welding: Similar to MIG welding, it requires a wire feed process that differs in that it doesn't need a shielding gas.