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CWI Definitions and Terminology practice questions

Standard welding terms from AWS A3.0: joint types, weld types, joint and weld geometry, positions and process vocabulary. This domain is about 15% of the exam. Try each question, then open the answer.

Read the Definitions and Terminology study guide

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT one of the five basic joint types defined by AWS?
  1. Edge joint
  2. T-joint
  3. Corner joint
  4. Groove joint
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Answer: D. Groove joint

The five basic joint types are butt, corner, edge, lap and T. A groove is a weld preparation, and a groove weld can be used in several joint types. So 'groove joint' is not a joint type.

Source: AWS A3.0M/A3.0:2020, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions (terms: joint type, groove weld)

Question 2

For an equal-leg fillet weld, the fillet weld size is defined as the leg lengths of which figure?
  1. The largest right triangle, of any leg ratio, that fits within the weld cross section
  2. The triangle formed by the actual weld toes and the joint root
  3. The largest isosceles right triangle that fits in the weld cross section
  4. The distance from the joint root to the weld face
Show answer

Answer: C. The largest isosceles right triangle that fits in the weld cross section

For an equal-leg fillet weld, the size is the leg length of the largest isosceles right triangle that fits within the cross section. For an unequal-leg fillet weld, it is the leg lengths of the largest right triangle that can be inscribed.

Source: AWS A3.0M/A3.0:2020, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions (term: fillet weld size)

Question 3

Which zone is the portion of base metal whose mechanical properties or microstructure were changed by the heat of welding, but which did not melt?
  1. Fusion zone
  2. Weld interface
  3. Weld metal
  4. Heat-affected zone
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Answer: D. Heat-affected zone

The heat-affected zone (HAZ) is base metal that was not melted but whose properties or microstructure were altered by welding heat. In hardenable steels it is often where hardness and cracking problems appear.

Source: AWS A3.0M/A3.0:2020, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions (term: heat-affected zone)

Question 4

A plate groove weld test in which the plate is vertical and the weld axis is horizontal is designated:
  1. 1G
  2. 3G
  3. 4G
  4. 2G
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Answer: D. 2G

In the 2G (horizontal) position for plate, the plate is vertical and the weld axis is horizontal. G stands for groove weld and the number gives the position.

Source: AWS A3.0M/A3.0:2020, figures on welding positions; AWS Welding Inspection Handbook (positions)

Question 5

A drawing calls for a 3/4 in. round hole in the top plate of a lap joint. The welder fills the hole with weld metal so that the top plate is fused to the plate underneath. Which weld is this?
  1. Slot weld
  2. Spot weld
  3. Plug weld
  4. Fillet weld in a hole
Show answer

Answer: C. Plug weld

Filling a round hole in one member so that it fuses to the member underneath makes a plug weld. The same weld made in an elongated hole is a slot weld. A fillet weld run around the edge of a hole is still a fillet weld.

Source: AWS A3.0M/A3.0:2020, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions (terms: plug weld, slot weld)

Question 6

A pipe joint is welded only from the outside. Inside the pipe, the inspector sees a smooth, even bead of weld metal standing slightly proud of the bore. The standard term for this is:
  1. Burn-through
  2. Underfill
  3. Melt-through
  4. Overlap
Show answer

Answer: C. Melt-through

Melt-through is the root reinforcement that can be seen on a joint welded from one side. It is often wanted. When it is excessive or forms a hole, the nonstandard term 'burn-through' is often used.

Source: AWS A3.0M/A3.0:2020, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions (terms: melt-through, root reinforcement)

Question 7

A person who operates machine or automatic welding equipment, adjusting it during welding, is called a:
  1. Welder
  2. Welding inspector
  3. Tack welder
  4. Welding operator
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Answer: D. Welding operator

AWS defines a welding operator as one who operates adaptive control, automatic, mechanized or robotic welding equipment. A welder performs manual or semiautomatic welding. Codes qualify the two separately.

Source: AWS A3.0M/A3.0:2020, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions (terms: welder, welding operator)

Question 8

The change in chemical composition of filler metal caused by mixing with melted base metal is expressed by which term?
  1. Segregation
  2. Dilution
  3. Carbon equivalent
  4. Deposition efficiency
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Answer: B. Dilution

Dilution is the change in chemical composition of a welding filler metal caused by admixture of base metal or previous weld metal. It is usually stated as the percentage of base metal in the weld bead. It matters in dissimilar-metal welds and overlays.

Source: AWS A3.0M/A3.0:2020, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions (term: dilution)

Question 9

On a groove weld, the surface of a joint member that is included in the groove is called the:
  1. Groove face
  2. Fusion face
  3. Weld face
  4. Root surface
Show answer

Answer: A. Groove face

The groove face is the surface of a joint member included in the groove. The fusion face is any base metal surface that will be melted during welding. The weld face and root surface describe the finished weld.

Source: AWS A3.0M/A3.0:2020, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions (terms: groove face, fusion face, weld face)

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