Welding rods are necessary in the welding process to add filler metal to the area being welding. In some arc welding methods the welding rod is also used as the electrode. The welding rod is typically made of the same material that the base metals are made of and a flux is often used to help with the welding process being used. Welding rods are typically held by an electrode holder that is used to insulate the welder from the electric current created from the welding process. In the area of automated welding, a thin continuous wire is used as a welding rod.
