Red Seal Metal Fabricator (Fitter) Practice Exam

Which factor can contribute to burn-through during welding?

1. Too low of a welding speed

2. Too high of a heat input

3. The use of too large of a filler rod

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: Too high of a heat input

Burn-through during welding can occur when there is too high of a heat input. This situation arises because excessive heat can cause the base material to melt away more quickly than intended, creating holes or "burn-through" in the metal. Properly managing heat input is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the weld and the base material, especially in thinner sections where the risk of burn-through is significant. While factors such as welding speed and filler rod size can influence the overall quality of the weld, they do not directly correlate to burn-through as clearly as excessive heat does. However, when heat input is managed poorly, it can lead to compromised welds or damage to the workpieces. Thus, understanding the relationship between heat input and burn-through is essential for achieving effective welds without damaging the base materials.