In welding terminology, a discontinuity is always considered a flaw.

In welding terminology, a discontinuity is always considered a flaw.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not necessarily

Answer: (A)

Discontinuity means any interruption in the normal structure of the weld or weld metal. A flaw is a discontinuity that does not meet the required acceptance criteria. Because codes and standards specify limits for how large or where a discontinuity may be, some discontinuities are permitted and considered acceptable. Others violate the criteria and are defects that require correction. In practice, inspectors compare the observed discontinuities against the applicable standards; small porosity or minor underfill within the allowed limits can be acceptable, while cracks or significant lack of fusion typically count as flaws. So a discontinuity is not automatically a flaw—it depends on whether it meets the specified criteria.

Discontinuity means any interruption in the normal structure of the weld or weld metal. A flaw is a discontinuity that does not meet the required acceptance criteria. Because codes and standards specify limits for how large or where a discontinuity may be, some discontinuities are permitted and considered acceptable. Others violate the criteria and are defects that require correction.

In practice, inspectors compare the observed discontinuities against the applicable standards; small porosity or minor underfill within the allowed limits can be acceptable, while cracks or significant lack of fusion typically count as flaws. So a discontinuity is not automatically a flaw—it depends on whether it meets the specified criteria.