circular motion to flow the molten metal outward. Visual Cues A good puddle should appear even, completely filled, and have a "stacked dimes" appearance when finished. Common Defects "Burn-out" (too much heat) or "cold lap" (not enough heat/too fast) can lead to weak joints that fail inspection. Professional Insights The "puddle" is not just a weld type, but a critical visual feedback tool for any welder. “The weld pool becomes the weld and it is important to observe the clues the weld pool provides.” YouTube · TimWelds “The key in seeing the puddle in all the processes is looking past the arc. Don’t focus on it.” Everlast Power Critical Limits Per the American Welding Society (AWS) D1.3 , puddle welding is generally restricted to the

Performed on thin materials (like metal decking) where the arc itself burns through the top sheet to reach the base metal. No pre-punched hole is required.

The puddle welding process involves the following steps:

In some contexts, "puddle welding" is used interchangeably with arc spot welding or plug welding , though purists distinguish it by the absence of a pre-drilled hole (i.e., melting through the top layer without a hole).