What are short welds made to keep parts aligned while welding called?

Tack welds are short welds that serve the primary purpose of holding parts in place during the welding process. They are typically made at critical points where alignment is necessary, ensuring that the components do not shift or move as the full-length welds are completed. This preliminary step is essential in maintaining the integrity and precision of the assembly, allowing for adjustments to be made before committing to the final welds.

Fillet welds apply to a type of weld used to join two surfaces at a right angle, providing a strong joint but not primarily for alignment purposes. Temporary welds are not a standard term in welding practices; typically, tack welds are recognized for their temporary nature. Alignment welds could generally refer to any weld that aids in alignment but does not specifically denote short welds meant for securing parts during the process like tack welds do.