Most distortion controls fall into which two methods?

• A. Mechanical and procedural
• B. Thermal and chemical
• C. Manual and automatic
• D. Structural and electrical

Answer: (A)

Distortion control in welding relies on two broad approaches: mechanical and procedural. Mechanical methods physically restrain and support the workpieces so they stay in proper alignment as welds cool, using fixtures, clamps, and temporary supports. Procedural methods manage distortion through planning and process control, such as thoughtful joint design, precise fit-up, preheating, controlling interpass temperature, and choosing the welding sequence and heat input to minimize contraction and movement. The other options don’t represent standard categories for how distortion is controlled; they describe effects or unrelated concepts, not the two primary classes used in practice.