What component is NOT part of the GTAW process?

In the GTAW process, also known as Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, the primary components typically include the welding torch, shielding gas, and a ground clamp. The torch is responsible for delivering the welding arc and the inert shielding gas protects the weld area from contamination. The ground clamp is crucial for establishing a circuit that allows the electrical current to flow effectively during the welding process.

While filler metal can be used in GTAW for some applications, it is not a necessary component of the process itself. GTAW can be performed autogenously, meaning that it can weld materials together without the addition of filler metal. Therefore, while filler metal may be utilized in certain situations to add material to the weld joint, it is not an inherent part of the GTAW process. This clarity helps to understand why other components—the torch, shielding gas, and ground clamp—are essential for GTAW to function properly.