The ARC stud weld can be visually inspected by observing the fillet at the base of the stud. The illustrations and comments below will assist you in visually judging the quality of the weld.

 

Good Weld Full, even, shiny fillet all around the stud.	Hot Weld Very shiny, low profile fillet extending beyond the outside of the ferrule.	Cold Weld Small, uneven, dull appearing fillet with fingers of metal extending through the vents of the ferrule.

 

 

Short Plunge or Hang-up No fillet, no stud burn-off or undercut base	Misalignment Partial or no fillet, undercut, stud not perpendicular to base metal.