What is the difference between a weld symbol and a welding symbol?

• A. The welding symbol is the complete instructions. The weld symbol is part of the welding symbol and tells what kind of weld is to be performed.
• B. The welding symbol is the complete instructions. The weld symbol is a subset.
• C. They are identical in meaning.
• D. The welding symbol is optional on a drawing.

Answer: (A)

In a welding drawing, the full set of instructions that tells a welder exactly what to do is called the welding symbol. Within that notation, the graphic part that indicates the actual type of weld to be performed is the weld symbol. So the welding symbol contains all the details needed—location, size, length, contour, finish, process notes, and the weld type—while the weld symbol specifically communicates the kind of weld (such as fillet or groove) to apply. For example, you might see a weld-type symbol that shows a fillet weld, but the full symbol on the line also includes the size and length so the welder knows how much weld to lay down. Other choices would imply that the weld symbol alone has all details, or that they mean the same thing, or that one is optional; that doesn’t align with how a welding drawing conveys complete instructions.