Which of the following welding techniques is used to limit heat buildup and reduce distortion?

• A. Skip welds
• B. Stitch welds
• C. Distortion
• D. Burn through

Answer: (B)

Managing heat input along a seam is essential to prevent warping. Stitch welding uses a series of short welds with gaps between them, so each weld segment heats only a small area and the metal has a chance to cool before the next pass. This keeps the heat-affected zone small and reduces residual stresses, which minimizes distortion and helps keep panels aligned in collision repair work. Burn through is not a technique for controlling heat; it’s an over-penetration defect. Distortion is the undesired result you’re trying to avoid. Skip welds also reduce heat by not welding every spot, but the deliberate short, spaced welds of stitch welding are the standard method used to control heat buildup and shrinkage along a seam.