How can one reduce distortion when welding with GTAW?

Using low heat input techniques and controlling the cooling rate is effective in reducing distortion when welding with GTAW because this approach minimizes the thermal expansion and contraction of the materials being welded. High heat input can lead to excessive heating, which increases the likelihood of warping as the metal expands and contracts unevenly during the cooling process. By keeping the heat input low, the weld area does not reach temperatures that are excessively high, thus reducing the amount of thermal stress introduced into the welded components.

Controlling the cooling rate further aids in distortion reduction. By managing how quickly or slowly the welded material cools, welders can decrease the chances of creating residual stresses that can cause warping. Slower cooling can also promote more uniform cooling, which mitigates any distortion that might occur due to abrupt temperature changes. In contrast, high-speed welding techniques and rushing to complete the weld can exacerbate distortion by not allowing adequate thermal management, leading to uneven temperatures across the weld joint. Therefore, option C effectively combines low heat input with careful cooling management to achieve more stable and accurate welding results.