Manual Metal Arc Welding (MMA) is flux shielded arc welding or informally as stick welding, is a manual arc welding process that uses a consumable electrode covered with a flux to lay the weld.
Using a consumable, flux-covered electrode and a ground clamp, a short-circuit is intentially made on the weld piece. An electric arc forms between electrode and workpiece, which heats up enough to melt both. As the electrode melts, the flux coating on the electrode develops gas and slag, which help protect the weld pool. The gas keeps air and other pollutants away, while slag forms on top of the weld pool to protect the weld seam. The slag cools down and solidifies rapidly, protecting the weld area after the gas has disappeared. This combination makes MMA welding ideal for windy conditions (outdoor use) which might effect other welding processes.
