What is a weave bead in welding?

A weave bead in welding refers to a technique where the welding electrode moves side to side in the direction of travel, creating a zigzag pattern across the weld joint. This method is used to control the heat distribution and to fill in wider joint gaps, improving the penetration and fusion of the weld metal with the base materials.

Using a side-to-side motion allows the welder to manipulate the puddle more effectively, ensuring a consistent bead and mitigating issues like undercutting or insufficient fill. It is especially useful in situations where a wider bead is needed or when working with thicker materials that require increased heat input.

The choice that describes forward motion with a circular pattern suggests a different bead profile and would not effectively create the same characteristics as a weave bead. Likewise, vertical or diagonal motions would also not achieve the intended zigzag effect, making them unsuitable for this particular welding technique.