Arc welding is a welding process that uses electricity to create enough heat to melt metal, and the melted metals, when cool, result in a binding of the metals. The process uses an electric arc to generate heat and join together two metals. The power supplied to the electric arc can be alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). The following are key features of arc welding:

• Electrode: An electrode is used to create the arc. It can be consumable or non-consumable, which determines the role of the electrode, and whether it melts to become part of the weld or solely acts as an arc conductor without melting.

• Shielding: The welding area is usually protected by some type of shielding gas (e.g. an inert gas), vapor, or slag.

• Variations: There are many variations of arc welding, each with its own name. One commonly used technique is called "stick welding." The "stick" is a consumable electrode in the form of a short, stiff rod. The arc is struck between the tip of the welding rod and the workpiece. It is manually fed into the weld zone, where it melts.

Arc welding is commonly used in industry, especially for large products. It requires a skilled welder, particularly if the weld is to withstand significant load or meet certain standards.