What are Filler Metals?

Filler metals are a key component in welding and metal fabrication processes. Filler metals are used to fill the space between two close-fitting materials in welding, soldering, or brazing. These alloys or unalloyed metals when heated, melt to flow into the gaps between two close-fitting materials to create a weld, soldered, or brazed joint. 

During the welding process, a filler metal is added from an electrode to the joint to be welded. The filler metal is consumed in the welding process - Gas Metal Arc welding (GMAW) or Flux Cored, Shielded Metal Arc welding (SMAW), Flux-Cored/Metal Cored welding (FC/MCAW). Filler metal can also be added to the joint as a simple filler wire that is not connected electrically in Plasma Welding (PAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc welding (GTAW). 

During the welding process, the heat generated by the electric arc melts the filler metal and the surface of the base metal. The melted materials combine forming a weld pool which upon cooling and solidification forms a weld joint. So, the chemical composition of the filler metal changes in the final joint with the addition of melted metal from the base material.  

Steel Supply, L.P. stocks filler metals intended for welding, including Stick Welding Electrodes, MIG Wire, and TIG Wire. We also have Flux, TIG electrodes, and Gouging Rods in this category.