GMAW is commonly known by which of the following names?

GMAW, which stands for Gas Metal Arc Welding, is often referred to as Gas Shielded Arc Welding. This terminology emphasizes the process's reliance on a shielding gas that protects the weld pool from contamination during welding. In GMAW, a continuous solid wire electrode is fed through a welding gun, and an inert gas—typically argon, helium, or a mixture of these—is utilized to shield the arc and molten metal from atmospheric gases. The gas serves to ensure a cleaner, high-quality weld, making this name particularly appropriate.

This understanding highlights why "Gas Shielded Arc Welding" is a widely accepted term for GMAW. The focus on gas shielding is essential in differentiating GMAW from other welding processes that may not employ shielding gases in the same manner.