What is the primary outcome expected from weld metal analysis?

The primary outcome expected from weld metal analysis is to identify the chemical composition of the weld metals. This is critical because the composition directly influences the mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and overall performance of the welded structure. Understanding the chemical makeup allows welders and engineers to evaluate whether the weld meets the necessary specifications and standards for the intended application. By ensuring the correct materials are used, it helps in predicting how the weld will behave under different service conditions, which is vital for safety and reliability.

While other aspects like potential defects, manufacturing verification, and surface finish quality are important, they are secondary to understanding the fundamental composition of the weld itself, which lays the groundwork for evaluating the quality and performance of the weld.