According to Oxford Dictionary, an accessory is 'a thing which can be added to something else in order to make it more useful, versatile, or attractive'. In the context of welding the scope is wide, and tends to include both consumables and non-consumables required to perform a particular welding task. Examples might include:
- Welding gloves, aprons and helmets, dust masks, extraction systems and other safety equipment.
- Chipping hammers and wire brushes.
- Gas nozzles and contact tips for MIG/MAG welding.
- Tungsten rods for TIG/GTAW welding.
- Abrasive discs for angle grinders.
- Electrodes for resistance spot welding.
- Angle grinders.
- Electrode drying ovens.
- Back-purging equipment.
- Preheating equipment and heat protection mats.
- Ceramic backing materials.
- Work tables, jigs and fixtures.
- Resistance welding electrode dressing tools.
- Tools for changing resistance welding electrodes.
- Load cells for setting / controlling resistance welding equipment.
- Trail shields and purging cups.
Each joining process will have accessories specific to that technology. Welding and specialist equipment suppliers usually have accessories catalogues which are useful sources of information and ideas.