In a multi-pass weld, what is the purpose of the feeder pass?

• A. The feeder pass builds up welding and fills the joint.
• B. The feeder pass sets initial alignment.
• C. The feeder pass cools the joint.
• D. The feeder pass allows for dye testing.

Answer: (A)

In a multi-pass weld, the filler deposition step is used to build up weld metal and fill the joint. After the root pass creates the initial fusion along the groove, the feeder (filler) pass adds material to raise the bead height and fill the gap between sides, bringing the weld toward its final cross-section and ensuring proper fusion with the previous passes. This sets up the weld geometry so the final cap can finish the weld cleanly. It’s not about establishing initial alignment (that comes from fit-up and the root pass), it doesn’t primarily involve cooling the joint, and it isn’t related to dye testing, which is a post-weld inspection.