Which of the following is NOT carried by the cables and hoses in GTAW?

In Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), the cables and hoses are responsible for carrying various materials critical to the welding process. Among these, the shielding gas, electrical current, and water (in water-cooled systems) are essential components carried through the hoses and cables.

The shielding gas is crucial for protecting the molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination, preventing oxidation and ensuring a clean weld. The electrical current is necessary because it provides the energy required to melt the tungsten electrode and the base metal. In some setups, particularly in high-performance applications, water is circulated through the torch to manage heat and prevent overheating.

The electrode wire, however, is not carried by the cables and hoses in GTAW. In this process, a non-consumable tungsten electrode is used instead of filler metal that is fed into the weld pool; any additional filler metal would be supplied separately and introduced manually into the weld joint as needed. Therefore, since the electrode remains stationary and is not fed through the cables or hoses, it is not categorized among the items transported by them.