use of the electrode varies based on the type of welding process. in smaw, gmaw, and related welding processes, the electrode is consumed and becomes part of the weld. the electrode is usually made of the same kind of metal to be welded. because the electrode is consumed by the welding process, the electrode must constantly be fed into the weld. the smaw welding process features a "stick" electrode impregnated with a weld promoter known as flux, clamped to the end.