Crater
A crater is the small depression or dip that forms at the end of a weld bead. When welders talk about craters in their resumes, they're referring to their ability to properly finish welds without leaving these potentially problematic indentations. Good crater control is important because these depressions can lead to weaknesses or cracks in the weld if not properly handled. Think of it like properly ending a sentence with a period - in welding, how you finish the weld is just as important as how you start it.
Examples in Resumes
Developed expertise in crater control techniques for critical aerospace components
Implemented automated crater fill procedures on robotic welding systems
Trained junior welders in proper crater prevention and fill methods
Typical job title: "Welders"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Welders
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Training Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you prevent and fix crater cracks in critical welds?
Expected Answer: A senior welder should explain multiple methods including proper current reduction, backstepping, and various fill techniques. They should also discuss how different materials and positions affect crater control.
Q: How would you train others in proper crater control?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate teaching experience by explaining how they break down the concept for beginners, including common mistakes to avoid and hands-on demonstration techniques.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the common causes of crater formation?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain how factors like current settings, speed, and technique affect crater formation, and describe basic prevention methods.
Q: How do you adjust your crater control technique for different positions?
Expected Answer: Should explain how gravity affects crater formation in different welding positions and demonstrate knowledge of position-specific techniques.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a crater and why is it important to control it?
Expected Answer: Should explain that craters are depressions at the end of welds and understand that they can lead to weaknesses if not properly controlled.
Q: What is the basic technique for filling a crater?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the basic process of gradually reducing current and adding filler material to prevent crater formation.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of crater formation
- Simple crater filling techniques
- Following standard procedures
- Basic safety awareness
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced crater control methods
- Multiple position welding
- Quality inspection abilities
- Problem-solving skills
Senior (5+ years)
- Expert crater prevention techniques
- Training and supervision
- Quality control implementation
- Complex material understanding
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic safety procedures
- Unable to explain basic crater control
- Lack of certification or formal training
- No experience with quality inspection
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
How Internal Gig Marketplaces Revolutionize Employee Development
Why Your Hiring Process is a Maze (And How Design Thinking Can Turn It into a Superhighway)
Changing Careers: A Recruiter's Inside View
