Red Seal Welder Practice Exam 2025 - Free Red Seal Welder Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term "distortion" in welding refers to the changes in the shape of the welded components that occur due to uneven heating and cooling. When metal is heated during the welding process, it expands, and as it cools, it contracts. If these processes do not occur uniformly across the entire workpiece, it can lead to warping or bending, which is termed distortion. This can negatively impact the fit and function of the assembled parts, making it critical for welders to control heating and cooling rates as much as possible to minimize distortion.

Loss of strength after cooling relates to mechanical properties rather than geometric shape, and while improper equipment alignment can affect the quality of a weld, it does not directly define distortion. Similarly, the color of the weld bead can vary for various reasons but does not indicate distortion of the material itself. Understanding distortion is crucial for welders, as it influences the quality and precision of their work.