API-577 Exam - Topic 7 Question 20 Discussion

Actual exam question for API's API-577 exam

Question #: 20
Topic #: 7

The most common measure of weldability and susceptibility to hot cracking of austenitic stainless steels is the ferrite content of the weld metal. Which of the following ranges is the recommended minimum ferrite content of the weld metal needed to prevent cracking?

A1%-10%

B5%-20%

C8%-18%

D15%-20%

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: C

by Lauran at Nov 24, 2025, 09:19 PM

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Nieves

2 months ago

C) 8%-18% makes sense for preventing cracks.

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Sharen

2 months ago

I lean towards B) 5%-20%. Good balance.

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Carolynn

2 months ago

D) 15%-20% could be overkill.

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Alton

2 months ago

A) 1%-10% is too low for safety.

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Julene

2 months ago

I feel like C) 8%-18% is more accurate.

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Clarinda

3 months ago

Yeah, B sounds right to me too!

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Darci

3 months ago

Pretty sure it's A) 1%-10%. That's what I learned.

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Lauran

3 months ago

Haha, I bet the answer is D. 15%-20% because that's the range where the welder can take a coffee break and the weld won't crack!

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Nicolette

3 months ago

B. 5%-20% is the way to go. Gotta have that sweet spot for weldability.

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German

4 months ago

Definitely C. I've seen this recommended in several welding manuals.

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Margarett

4 months ago

I think the answer is C. 8%-18% seems like the right range to prevent cracking.

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Vanesa

4 months ago

I thought it was 15%-20%, but that seems a bit high for the minimum requirement.

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Alecia

4 months ago

I practiced a similar question last week, and I believe the recommended range is around 5%-20%.

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Georgiana

4 months ago

I think I remember something about ferrite content being crucial for preventing hot cracking, but I'm not sure about the exact range.

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Willow

4 months ago

This is a tricky one. I'm torn between B and C, but I think I'll go with C since it seems to be the most specific range mentioned.

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Dick

5 months ago

Okay, let me see. I remember learning that austenitic stainless steels need a certain amount of ferrite to avoid hot cracking. I think option C sounds right, but I'll double-check my notes just to be sure.

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Dick

5 months ago

The question is asking about the ferrite content needed to prevent cracking, so I'm guessing the higher end of the range is better. I'll go with option D.

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