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AI analysis · Preview

Weld analysis — May 22, 2026

Educational visual feedback on a sample practice weld.

History
CompletedSample dataModerate confidenceSubmitted May 22, 2026, 4:05 PM

Overall practice band

ConsistentLevel 3 of 5

AI summary

This SMAW practice weld appears to show a couple of areas worth attention, alongside real strengths. Bead width appears to vary noticeably along its length. Overall consistency looks reasonably steady. Focus on the priority improvement below, run the suggested drill, and submit a comparable weld to measure the change. Remember: surface appearance cannot confirm what is happening inside the joint.

You provided

Submission details

Process
SMAW (Stick)
Material
Carbon steel
Thickness
3/8 in
Joint type
T-joint
Position
2F — Horizontal fillet
Electrode
E7018
Electrode diameter
1/8 in
Amperage
125 A
Travel speed
5 in/min
Polarity
DCEP (reverse)
Passes
1
Preheat
None
Practice objective
Keep a tight arc length for the full length of the joint.
Notes
First session on the new machine — arc felt long on the second half.

Logged settings

This sample analysis isn’t linked to a weld log entry. In the real app, the wizard saves your submitted settings to the weld log by default — or links the session you already logged.

AI observations

Educational guidance only

AI-assisted visual feedback is educational guidance only and is not always accurate. A photograph cannot confirm code compliance, structural integrity, internal fusion, penetration, or test results, and it is no substitute for hands-on inspection. Have a qualified instructor or inspector evaluate any weld that matters.

Practice Score

ArcForge educational metrics — not inspection scores.

  • Bead consistency

    ConsistentLevel 3 of 5

  • Profile control

    ConsistentLevel 3 of 5

  • Toe transition

    ConsistentLevel 3 of 5

  • Start & stop control

    ConsistentLevel 3 of 5

  • Surface cleanliness

    DevelopingLevel 2 of 5

  • Visual uniformity

    ConsistentLevel 3 of 5

  • Practice-objective alignment

    ConsistentLevel 3 of 5

    Based on how the visible result relates to your stated objective.

Photo quality & limits

Feedback quality depends on what the camera captured. Anything below the surface is outside what a photo can show.

Image rating:Fair

Photo issues noticed

  • Lighting is slightly uneven.

What shaped the confidence level

  • Welding details were provided, which sharpens interpretation.
  • Image quality is adequate but not ideal.

What this review cannot tell you

  • Internal soundness, fusion, and penetration can never be judged from a photograph.
  • Lighting and angle can hide or exaggerate surface conditions.
  • This educational feedback is not an inspection and does not assess code acceptance.

What looks good

Strengths visible in this photo — keep building on them.

  • Toe wetting looks decent along most of the length.
  • Travel speed looks generally steady through the middle of the bead.
  • Spatter is well controlled for this process.

Priority improvements

Work these in order — each one builds on the last.

Why it matters

Bead width appears to vary noticeably along its length.

How to practice it

Build a steady travel speed that holds bead width within a consistent band.

Possible concerns

Visual indications only — a photo cannot confirm whether a discontinuity is actually present or how deep it goes. Where your instructor weighed in, their call is labeled and takes priority over the AI.

  • Inconsistent bead width

    PossibleMinor

    Location: toward the stop

    Bead width appears to vary noticeably along its length.

  • Start-quality concern

    PossibleMinor

    Location: near the start

    The start area appears irregular compared to the body of the weld.

  • Possible slag-inclusion indicators

    Appears presentMinor

    Location: intermittently along the bead

    Residual dark lines along the toes may indicate trapped slag — only removal and inspection can tell.

Suggested practice drill

Travel-speed ladder

Build a steady travel speed that holds bead width within a consistent band. Run five 6-inch stringer beads on plate. For each bead, count a steady rhythm and aim for even ripple spacing. Compare widths with calipers at three points per bead; aim for less than 1/16 in variation by the fifth bead.

Add drills to a plan in the full app

Related lessons & defect reading

The full lessons and defect library live in the app — here’s what they cover.

Technique & equipment

Technique suggestions

  • Do a dry run along the joint before striking to confirm you can reach the full length comfortably.
  • Watch the back edge of the puddle rather than the arc itself.
  • Brace your hand or forearm so travel comes from your whole arm, not your wrist.

Equipment considerations

  • At 125 A, check the puddle: excessive spatter and undercut can mean amperage is high for this electrode size.

System

Processing record

Status
Completed
Provider
mock
Model
arcforge-mock-1
Prompt version
v1
Schema version
v1
Attempts
1
Submitted
May 22, 2026, 4:05 PM
Completed
May 22, 2026, 4:05 PM

Analysis ID: preview-1