What is another term for the base material being welded?

The term "parent metal" refers specifically to the original base material that is being welded. In welding terminology, the parent metal is the material that is prepared and joined through the welding process, and it serves as the foundation for the weld. This nomenclature is widely used in the welding industry and among professionals, as it clearly identifies the material that is the focus of the welding operation.

The other terms do not accurately describe the base material. "Craft metal" is not a commonly recognized term in the context of welding; it may imply a material used in craftwork but does not pertain to welding processes. "Joining metal" might suggest the weld filler material used to create the joint but does not refer to the base material itself. "Fixture metal" implies material used in the construction of jigs or fixtures, which support the workpieces during welding, rather than the actual materials that are being welded together. Thus, referring to the base material as the parent metal is both precise and widely accepted in the field.