What welding technique involves creating a groove that will receive a weld?

The welding technique that involves creating a groove specifically designed to receive a weld is known as groove welding. This method is used to join two pieces of metal by preparing a V-shaped, U-shaped, or square groove that allows for sufficient access for the welding equipment and ensures good penetration and bonding of the materials.

Groove welding is particularly advantageous in applications where strong, load-bearing joints are necessary and can be applied in various positions. The preparation of the groove can vary based on the thickness of the materials being joined, which is essential for achieving optimal weld characteristics and structural integrity.

Other techniques mentioned do not emphasize this specific groove preparation for welding. For example, butt welding involves aligning the edges of two materials, typically without a groove, while fillet welding creates a triangular weld between two surfaces at an angle, often applied in corner or edge joints, but without the groove preparation that groove welding entails. Overlay welding refers to a technique where a layer of material is applied over a base material to enhance its properties without forming a groove to receive a weld.