What is the term used to describe the path of a cut in steel?

The term that describes the path of a cut in steel is "kerf." In welding and metalworking, kerf refers specifically to the width of material that is removed during the cutting process. This is an important concept, as it affects the precision and fit of the joined pieces. The size of the kerf can depend on the cutting method being used, such as plasma cutting, oxy-fuel cutting, or saw cutting, and understanding kerf is vital for achieving accurate dimensions in fabrication.

Other terms such as seam, line, and groove refer to different aspects and features of welding and metal joint formation. While they might be related to joining or cutting processes, they do not specifically indicate the cut itself. Therefore, kerf is the precise term used to articulate the width of the cut made in the material.