Red Seal Metal Fabricator (Fitter) Practice Exam

What is the primary function of a welding torch?

1. To provide lighting for the welder

2. To heat the filler material

3. To deliver shielding gas and heat

4. To remove slag from the weld pool

The correct answer is: To deliver shielding gas and heat

The primary function of a welding torch is to deliver shielding gas and heat. This is crucial in the welding process, particularly in techniques like MIG (Metal Inert Gas) or TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding. The torch provides the necessary heat to melt the base materials and filler metal, allowing them to fuse together. Additionally, it also delivers shielding gas, which protects the molten weld pool from contamination by air, particularly oxygen and nitrogen, which can lead to defects in the weld. This combination ensures a clean and strong weld joint, maintaining the integrity of the materials being joined. The other options, while related to aspects of welding, do not capture the comprehensive function of the torch as fully as this correct answer does. Lighting for the welder is important for visibility but not a primary function of the torch itself. Heating the filler material is a part of the welding process, but it is the delivery of both heat and shielding gas that defines the torch's primary role. Removing slag from the weld pool is an essential part of post-welding cleanup but does not pertain to the torch's function during the welding process.