During a visual inspection, which sign indicates the weld may be misaligned?

During a visual inspection, which sign indicates the weld may be misaligned?

• A. Uniform bead with correct dimensions.
• B. Visible misalignment of the weld bead relative to the joint.
• C. Bead with excessive cracking but perfect alignment.
• D. No reinforcement visible.

Answer: (B)

When you’re inspecting a weld visually, you’re looking to see whether the bead follows the joint line. A clear sign the weld may be misaligned is if the bead sits off-center or visibly out of alignment with the joint. That offset shows the weld isn’t built up in the correct position relative to the joint geometry, which can lead to improper fit, gaps, or uneven heat input along the joint. The other signs describe good or unrelated conditions: a uniform bead with correct dimensions suggests proper alignment; a bead with excessive cracking but perfect alignment indicates cracking but not misalignment; no reinforcement visible points to underfill or lack of weld metal, not to misalignment. So the best indicator of misalignment is the bead visibly not aligned with the joint.

When you’re inspecting a weld visually, you’re looking to see whether the bead follows the joint line. A clear sign the weld may be misaligned is if the bead sits off-center or visibly out of alignment with the joint. That offset shows the weld isn’t built up in the correct position relative to the joint geometry, which can lead to improper fit, gaps, or uneven heat input along the joint.

The other signs describe good or unrelated conditions: a uniform bead with correct dimensions suggests proper alignment; a bead with excessive cracking but perfect alignment indicates cracking but not misalignment; no reinforcement visible points to underfill or lack of weld metal, not to misalignment. So the best indicator of misalignment is the bead visibly not aligned with the joint.