Which welding process is known to potentially cause slag entrapment?

The process known to potentially cause slag entrapment is Submerged Arc Welding (SAW). This welding method involves the use of a continuously fed electrode and a blanket of granular fusible material, which is the flux that helps to create a protective environment for the weld. During the welding process, as the metal is deposited, the flux melts and forms a slag layer over the weld pool.

If the welding parameters are not properly controlled or if there is insufficient heat, it can lead to an incomplete melting of the flux, resulting in slag being trapped within the solidified weld metal. This entrapment can create weak points in the weld and affect the integrity of the joint, which is a significant concern in structural applications.

The other welding processes listed, while they may have their own specific issues, do not inherently create conditions conducive to slag entrapment like SAW does. For instance, Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) do not use a flux in the same way that SAW does, and Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) typically produces cleaner welds with minimal contamination issues.