Which of the following describes one disadvantage of GTAW?

GTAW, or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, indeed has a known disadvantage that emphasizes the necessity of cleanliness in the welding process. While it is true that GTAW produces high-quality welds and offers excellent arc stability, these characteristics require meticulous preparation and skill from the operator.

Specifically, option B suggests that GTAW is tolerant of contamination of the base metal or filler metal; however, this statement is misleading. In fact, the opposite is true. GTAW demands a very clean base metal and filler materials to ensure proper welding quality. Contamination can lead to defects in the weld joint, such as porosity or inclusions, which compromise the integrity and strength of the weld. As such, the requirement for exceptional cleanliness is one of the distinguishing features of the process and directly influences the level of skill required.

The requirement for a high level of skill is a key disadvantage of GTAW. Operators need to master the technique of controlling the heat input, maintaining a consistent arc length, and ensuring that the torch is properly angled. This contributes to making GTAW less accessible for novice welders compared to some other welding methods.

In summary, GTAW's sensitivity to contaminants highlights its need for a clean working environment and skillful handling,