Which item is not information shown on a welding symbol?

Which item is not information shown on a welding symbol?

• A. Depth of penetration
• B. Depth of edge preparation
• C. Thickness of the base metal
• D. Method of finishing the weld

Answer: (C)

Welding symbols tell you how the weld itself should be made, not the overall size of the pieces being welded. Details like how much the weld penetrates into the joint (full or partial penetration) and the shape of the groove or edge prep are encoded in the symbol so the welder knows what to do at the joint. The edge preparation is shown by the groove type and any bevels, while the finish method—such as grinding or chipping after welding—is indicated by a finish symbol. The thickness of the base metal, however, comes from the drawing or fabrication documents and is not shown on the welding symbol itself.

Welding symbols tell you how the weld itself should be made, not the overall size of the pieces being welded. Details like how much the weld penetrates into the joint (full or partial penetration) and the shape of the groove or edge prep are encoded in the symbol so the welder knows what to do at the joint. The edge preparation is shown by the groove type and any bevels, while the finish method—such as grinding or chipping after welding—is indicated by a finish symbol. The thickness of the base metal, however, comes from the drawing or fabrication documents and is not shown on the welding symbol itself.