Which of the following is not an advantage of SAW?

The option identifying "highly visible weld during welding" is not considered an advantage of Submerged Arc Welding (SAW). In SAW, the arc is submerged under a blanket of granular flux, which leads to minimal visibility of the welding arc and the weld pool itself. This characteristic is primarily due to the protective and insulating properties of the flux, which reduces the amount of light and radiation emitted during the welding process.

In contrast, the other options highlight significant benefits of SAW. High weld quality is achieved because the process allows for deep penetration and a smooth weld bead due to the controlled conditions created by the flux. Additionally, less operator skill is required compared to more manual welding methods since much of the process is automated, allowing trained operators to focus on machine setup and monitoring rather than intricate welding techniques. Furthermore, the ability for continuous operation helps increase production efficiency, as the process can be conducted without frequent interruptions for reloading consumables or changing workpieces. Thus, the nature of the SAW process, including its protective elements, contributes to limiting visibility rather than enhancing it.