Who is responsible for determining weld size?

Who determines what size a weld should be?  This is a question we ask many of our customers.  And we never seem to get a straight answer.  In a perfect world, the design engineer should specify all weld sizes and clearly communicate this through welding symbols on the print.  But that is hardly ever the […]

4 Types of Loading in Welded Structures

There are four types of loading experienced by welds and welded structures.  These types of loading are a function of the strain rate (the rate at which deformation occurs in a material due to an applied load) and the number of loading cycles experienced by the welded member.   The 4 types of loading are: Static […]

Basics of Pressure Vessel Design

The design of pressure vessels is quite interesting.  At first it may appear extremely complicated.  Then, you learn the basics of pressure vessel design and realize it is not that big of a deal.  But, then you get into all variations of vessel heads and shells, the different kinds of loading conditions (it’s not just […]

Rule of Thumb for Fillet Weld Sizes

Many fabricators can lower their welding costs significantly if they paid close attention to weld sizes.  If a print calls for a ¼” fillet weld and in production you make a 5/16” fillet weld, you are overwelding by 56%!  If the print calls for a 3/16” fillet, the 5/16” fillet weld you deposit would be […]