What are typical signs of a good MIG weld in a collision repair context?

• A. Uniform bead with large ripple and excessive spatter
• B. Uniform bead with small ripple, good penetration, no cracks, minimal spatter, consistent width
• C. Very wide weld with cracking
• D. Weld with no penetration and rough texture

Answer: (B)

A good MIG weld in collision repair shows proper fusion and strength with a smooth, controlled appearance. The best signs are a uniform bead with a small ripple, good penetration into the base metal, no cracks, minimal spatter, and a consistent width along the joint. This combination indicates stable arc conditions, proper heat input, and steady wire feed, which together produce a sound, durable weld suitable for structural and cosmetic repair.

Excessive ripple and heavy spatter suggest too much heat or poor shielding, leading to weak fusion and more cleanup. A very wide weld with cracking points to overheating and possible metallurgical problems, compromising strength. A weld with no penetration and a rough texture means lack of fusion, which is not acceptable for structural repair.