Bead Edge Defects normally in the form of under cutting or edge craters. The main cause for this is incorrect current setting. Too high will lead to undercutting, too low to edge craters. Similar effects may occur at the correct current due to incorrect arc length. Edge faults are particularly common in vertical welding or 'weave' welding. The general cause for the latter being a failure to pause at the extremes of the weave. Edge defects are stress raisers and lead to premature weld failure.