When talking about welding, what is the "parent metal"?

The term "parent metal" refers specifically to the base metal or the original material that is being welded. This includes the pieces of metal that are being joined through the welding process. In welding, the parent metal is critical because it influences the overall strength and quality of the weld.

Understanding this concept is essential for anyone involved in welding, as the properties of the parent metal, such as composition, thickness, and any pre-existing treatments, can affect how the welded joint behaves under stress or heat. The filler rod, while important, is not considered parent metal because it is an additional material added to the weld joint, not the original base material. Similarly, the weld itself is the result of the welding process, formed from both the parent metal and the filler material, distinguishing it from the concept of the parent metal.