Red Seal Metal Fabricator (Fitter) Practice Exam

What often causes distortion in metal when welding?

1. Temperature changes

2. Improper joint design

3. Inadequate material thickness

4. Poor welding technique

The correct answer is: Temperature changes

Distortion in metal during welding is primarily caused by temperature changes. During the welding process, localized heating occurs, which causes the metal to expand. Once the weld solidifies and cools, the metal contracts. This differential expansion and contraction can lead to warping or distortion, especially in thin materials or complex geometries. Understanding this process is crucial for metal fabricators. If the heat input is not controlled or managed properly, it can lead to significant distortions that affect the integrity and precision of the finished product. Effective welding techniques often include preheating the base materials and using controlled cooling methods to minimize these temperature fluctuations and their associated effects on the metal’s structure. Other options, like improper joint design and poor welding technique, certainly contribute to other issues such as weak joints or improper penetration, but they do not directly relate to the thermal dynamics that cause distortion in the material during welding. Inadequate material thickness can be relevant in some scenarios, but it's more about the capability of the material to handle the welding process without deformation, rather than the thermal distortion caused by the welding itself.