In the context of welding, what is the primary purpose of a filler rod?

In the context of welding, the primary purpose of a filler rod is to add material to the weld pool. When welding, the base metals are melted and joined together, and the filler rod is used to introduce additional metal into the molten pool. This process helps to fill any gaps or spaces between the base materials, ensuring a strong and durable weld joint. The use of a filler rod allows for better control over the volume of material being introduced and provides a way to achieve the desired weld thickness and strength.

The effectiveness of a filler rod is essential for creating a proper fusion between different materials or between the materials being joined, which is critical for achieving the structural integrity that a weld joint requires. Additionally, using a filler rod can also help to improve the overall properties of the weld, including its corrosion resistance and mechanical attributes, depending on the type of filler material used in conjunction with the base metals.