What does this welding symbol represent? (Bendy V)

• A. Fillet weld
• B. Groove weld
• C. Flare V
• D. Plug weld

Answer: (C)

Welding symbols use the shape of the groove to tell you how the joint is prepared. A “bendy V” looks like a V-shaped groove that flares or curves at the mouth, which is the telltale sign of a flare V groove. This variant has the edges opening outward a bit more than a plain V, giving a wider opening at the surface while still providing a V-shaped root for penetration.

This makes it different from a fillet weld, which is shown by a triangular symbol without a groove at the joint edge. It’s also not a simple groove weld that would be a straight V or bevel, and not a plug weld, which is a weld through a hole. The bend or flare in the V is exactly what identifies it as a flare V.