CSA Certification of Welding Inspectors (W178.2) Level 1 Practice Test

When we talk about a flange, the word sweep describes a curvature that stays within the plane of the flange itself. If the edge of the flange bends or bows while you’re looking straight down at the flange so that the curve lies entirely in the same plane, that’s sweep. It’s a planar bend or bow, not a twist or a bend out of the plane.

This matters because in assemblies you expect flat mating surfaces or precise fit-ups. A planned or specified sweep tells you how much in-plane curvature to expect or check for, so parts can still align properly when welded or bolted.

The other terms refer to different distortions. Warp implies twisting or bowing out of the plane, altering the surface orientation. Bend is a general term for a change in direction but doesn’t necessarily specify whether the bend stays in the plane. Camber generally describes a curvature in a direction or plane different from the flange’s primary plane, so it isn’t the in-plane curvature described by sweep.