Which type of welding requires the weld to be chipped and cleaned?

The correct answer pertains to the type of welding that requires the weld to be chipped and cleaned, which is typically associated with slag/stick welding. During the process of stick welding, a flux-coated electrode is used. When the electrode melts, it creates a protective layer of slag over the weld pool. Once the welding is complete, this slag must be removed to ensure the integrity and quality of the weld. The removal process often involves chipping off the hardened slag and then cleaning the weld surface to prepare it for any subsequent work, whether that be painting, inspection, or further welding.

In contrast, MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding generally does not produce slag in the same way, as it uses a continuously fed wire and shielding gas which protects the weld pool, reducing the need for post-weld cleanup related to slag. Arc welding can vary, but overtly requires cleaning like stick welding, it is less frequently associated with the need to chip away as a standard practice. Similarly, gas welding does not produce the same byproducts as stick welding does, resulting in less cleanup requirement. Therefore, slag/stick welding specifically necessitates the chipping and cleaning process due to the presence of slag formed during the welding operation.