Also known as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) or simply stick welding,?MMA?is an inexpensive welding process. 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.