What characterizes an intermittent weld?

What characterizes an intermittent weld?

• A. A continuous weld along the joint.
• B. A weld with normal uniform spacing.
• C. A weld with gaps or pauses along its length used to reduce heat input or to allow cooling.
• D. A weld made without filler metal.

Answer: (C)

Intermittent welds are made as a series of short weld portions separated by gaps along the joint. Those gaps are deliberate to limit heat input in any one pass and to give the base metal time to cool, which helps control distortion, residual stresses, and shrinkage. This pattern differs from a continuous weld that runs the full length without interruptions. So, having gaps or pauses along the length to reduce heat input or allow cooling is the defining feature of an intermittent weld. Intermittent welds can still provide necessary strength where full continuous welds aren’t required or practical due to heat, access, or cost considerations.

Intermittent welds are made as a series of short weld portions separated by gaps along the joint. Those gaps are deliberate to limit heat input in any one pass and to give the base metal time to cool, which helps control distortion, residual stresses, and shrinkage. This pattern differs from a continuous weld that runs the full length without interruptions. So, having gaps or pauses along the length to reduce heat input or allow cooling is the defining feature of an intermittent weld. Intermittent welds can still provide necessary strength where full continuous welds aren’t required or practical due to heat, access, or cost considerations.