In this work some of the last developments in consumables for electric arc welding are commented. It is not the intention of the author to present a state of the art on this subject but to remark some areas of consumable development as: the question of diffusible hydrogen, the improvements in C-Mn steel wires and the welding of both high strength and high temperature service 9Cr steels. Activities in standardization of consumables are also mentioned. The author considers that the development of consumables is very active and in a stage of both generation of new products to make possible the new materials welding and sophistication of the existing ones with the objective of improving efficiency and quality in the welded construction together with a more friendly attitude with the environment.
consumables; electric arc welding; recent developments
