How do wire feed welders work?

Wire feed welders operate by continuously feeding a spool of welding wire through a gun to create an electric arc between the wire and the workpiece. This arc generates intense heat, melting both the wire and the base material, allowing them to fuse together. The welder typically uses a shielding gas to protect the molten weld pool from contamination. This process allows for efficient, consistent, and automated welding, making it popular in various applications.