What is typically used for exothermic welding?

In exothermic welding, a chemical reaction occurs that generates sufficient heat to fuse metals together. The primary material used in this process is typically a mixture of metal powders, with copper powder being one of the most common components. When copper powder is ignited, it reacts vigorously with a metal oxide, producing a molten copper that can fuse with the materials being joined—in most cases, copper conductors.

The use of the welding rod, welding wire, or cement does not align with the specific requirements and mechanisms of exothermic welding. Welding rods and wires are more commonly associated with traditional welding methods, where an external heat source is used, and cement is not suitable for metal joining at all. Therefore, copper powder is the correct material associated with exothermic welding due to its ability to produce high temperatures through an exothermic reaction, allowing for effective metal bonding.