New York Low Pressure Boiler COF Practice

What procedure follows cleaning when preparing a weld?

1. Cooling the metal

2. Welding a filler metal

3. Applying a protective coating

4. Heating the metal

The correct answer is: Welding a filler metal

After cleaning the surfaces to be welded, the next step in the welding process involves welding a filler metal. This is essential because the filler metal is used to fill the joint or gap between the workpieces during the welding process. Proper cleaning ensures that there are no contaminants, such as rust, oil, dirt, or grease, which can compromise the integrity of the weld. Applying the filler metal, typically in the form of a welding rod or wire, allows for a strong bond between the components being joined. This step is crucial for achieving the desired weld quality and structural integrity, as the filler metal must flow into the clean joint uniformly to create a solid and durable connection. The other procedures listed have distinct purposes and may occur in different contexts within the welding process, but welding the filler metal is the immediate next step after cleaning in preparation for a successful weld.