Weldments might contain which of the following?

• A. Shrinkage
• B. Incomplete Penetration
• C. Seams
• D. Laps

Answer: (B)

When evaluating welds, a common defect to recognize is incomplete penetration—the weld metal does not extend through the full thickness of the joint. This means the joint isn’t fully fused, which weakens the weld because the entire cross-section isn’t joined. Shrinkage is a general cooling effect that can cause distortion, not a discrete defect contained in the weld metal itself. Seams refer to a type of weld configuration, not a defect within a weld bead, and laps are a specific discontinuity involving overlapping metal rather than missing through-thickness fusion. Because incomplete penetration directly represents a lack of fusion through the joint thickness, it’s the best fit for what weldments might contain.