The solid metal wires were once used in the process of oxy fuel gas welding in order to add filler metal to the joint. The welding wires came in a straightened 1 m long length. One of the earliest electrodes that were used by the multiprocess welders in the process of arc  welding were bare and solid and came in length of 12 to 14 inches. In the years that followed the Arc welders, Stick welders, TIG welders, and MIG welders started using solid wire in coils which was used in the process of automatic arc welding.

Later, it was also used in the processes of submerged arc welding, in electro-slag welding, as well as in gas metal arc welding where applied small-diameter electrode welding wires are.

TIG welders, Arc welders, MIG welders, and Stick welders say that the manufacture of rod or wire for welding of electrodes is the same, yet in the welding rod is added straightening and cut operation. When it comes to drawing of nonferrous wires and steel wires, the multiprocess welders know that these processes are almost the same, yet there is difference in the reduction per drawing, in the lubricants used, in the heat treatment that is applied.

In general, as Stick welders, MIG welders, TIG welders, and Arc welders are aware, many suppliers offer solid steel electrodes which have a thin copper coating on the wire. This copper coating is used to improve the current pickup between the electrode and the contact tip, but it also helps for rusting of the wire to be prevented when it is exposed to the atmosphere outside. The solid electrode wires are made of different stainless steel analyses, nickel alloys, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, copper alloys, etc.