Which method is typically used for wider welds and increases heat input?

The weave pattern is typically used for wider welds and increases heat input due to its unique movement during the welding process. In this method, the welding torch or electrode moves back and forth across the joint, which allows for a broader coverage area, facilitating the application of weld metal over a larger surface. This movement not only enhances the width of the weld but also increases the amount of heat being generated and transferred into the base materials.

This increase in heat input is advantageous in certain applications where a stronger joint is required or when working with thicker materials, as it ensures proper fusion and penetration into the base metals. Additionally, the weave pattern can help to control the heat affected zone (HAZ), which can further enhance the overall integrity of the weld.

Other methods, such as stringer beads, typically produce narrower beads and rely on a more linear application of heat, which does not generally increase heat input to the same extent as the weave pattern. Spot welding, on the other hand, is generally used for localized attachment rather than creating wider welds, and arc welding, while it can be used in various patterns, is not specifically indicative of increased heat input in connection with the width of the weld like a weave pattern is.