What term best describes what happens when the arc is absorbed by the puddle and not the base metal?

What term best describes what happens when the arc is absorbed by the puddle and not the base metal?

• A. Pillowing effect
• B. Lack of fusion
• C. Cluster porosity
• D. Cold lap

Answer: (B)

This item is about heat distribution and fusion at the joint. When the arc energy is absorbed by the molten puddle and not enough heat reaches the base metal, the base metal and the deposited weld metal don’t fuse together. That lack of fusion at the interface means the weld hasn’t properly welded to the base material, which is the defect described. Pillowing would be a raised, bulged surface from excessive heat rather than a failure to fuse. Cluster porosity means gas pockets inside the weld metal, not a fusion issue at the joint. Cold lap refers to poor bonding between overlapping weld passes, but the scenario of the arc feeding the puddle instead of the base metal specifically points to lack of fusion.

This item is about heat distribution and fusion at the joint. When the arc energy is absorbed by the molten puddle and not enough heat reaches the base metal, the base metal and the deposited weld metal don’t fuse together. That lack of fusion at the interface means the weld hasn’t properly welded to the base material, which is the defect described.

Pillowing would be a raised, bulged surface from excessive heat rather than a failure to fuse. Cluster porosity means gas pockets inside the weld metal, not a fusion issue at the joint. Cold lap refers to poor bonding between overlapping weld passes, but the scenario of the arc feeding the puddle instead of the base metal specifically points to lack of fusion.