Which defect is directly related to the size and shape of the weld bead rather than the material?

Which defect is directly related to the size and shape of the weld bead rather than the material?

• A. Dimensional defects
• B. Porosity
• C. Cracking
• D. Hydrogen embrittlement

Answer: (A)

Weld bead geometry is what this item is testing. Dimensional defects are those that come from the size and shape of the weld bead—things like too much or too little weld metal, improper reinforcement, undercut, misalignment, or incorrect length and width. These issues stem from how the weld is laid down: fit-up, heat input, travel speed, and filler metal amount influence the bead’s dimensions, not the metal’s inherent properties. In contrast, porosity means voids in the weld caused by gas entrapment, cracking is a fracture within the weld or heat-affected zone, and hydrogen embrittlement is a material degradation due to hydrogen. So the defect directly tied to bead size and shape is dimensional defects.

Weld bead geometry is what this item is testing. Dimensional defects are those that come from the size and shape of the weld bead—things like too much or too little weld metal, improper reinforcement, undercut, misalignment, or incorrect length and width. These issues stem from how the weld is laid down: fit-up, heat input, travel speed, and filler metal amount influence the bead’s dimensions, not the metal’s inherent properties. In contrast, porosity means voids in the weld caused by gas entrapment, cracking is a fracture within the weld or heat-affected zone, and hydrogen embrittlement is a material degradation due to hydrogen. So the defect directly tied to bead size and shape is dimensional defects.