Tag Archives: weld size
The Reason Behind AWS D1.1 Minimum Fillet Weld Sizes
It's not what you think
Have you ever noticed that there are design rules that prohibit sizing a fillet weld below a certain size for a given thickness of material? If you look at AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2020 Structural Welding Code (Steel) you can find this on Table 7.7. If you happen to own a copy of AISC 360-16 Specification for Structural […]
Inspection Before, During and After Welding is Critical
Checklists for the CWI, welder and other production personnel
Weld inspection should not just take place after welding. Inspection before and during welding is critical. But what can you inspect if welding has not been performed? Take a look at the checklists below for pre, during and post weld inspection. Most of these items fall under the responsibility of the welding inspector, but any party involved […]
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 […]
The Outrageous Cost of Poor Fit Up in Welding Operations
You will cringe when you read this
In a perfect world parts would fit together perfectly every time. However, as we all know, this isn’t the case. We mostly think of poor fit up as something that annoys welders but which they can compensate for. But the reality is it can have tremendous impact on your bottom line. Or, in many cases, […]
Importance of Macro Etch Testing of Welds
Macro etch tests are commonly done as part of qualification tests for welders and welding procedures. This test is relatively easy to do and does not require complex or expensive equipment. However, very few fabricators ever perform this test. A macro etch test can serve as verification that a change on how something is welded […]
Bigger (Weld) Is Not Always Better
When it comes to fillet welds, bigger is not always better. A fillet weld is easy to measure, simply take out your fillet weld gauges and measure it. However, there is an incorrect assumption that a bigger weld (as measured with a fillet gauge) is always stronger than a smaller weld. Before we get into […]
The Best Piece of Equipment to Reduce Welding Costs
Many fabricators spend thousands of dollars in new welding equipment every year. They look for the latest and greatest technology that will allow them to reduce manufacturing costs. We have seen some of our customers justify the purchase of robots and other types of advanced welding equipment relatively easily. Some pieces of equipment pay for […]
12 Ideas to Reduce Welding Costs
Controlling costs associated with welding operations does not have to be complicated. Yet, many fabricators miss out on savings substantial amounts of time and money simply because they are too busy to take some time to implement cost reduction initiatives. Some of the ways in which costs can be reduced are presented below. Some of […]
How to Determine the Strength of a Transverse Fillet Weld
Unless you are a design engineer you typically don’t have to worry about determining the strength of a weld. The strength of a weld refers to its load carrying capacity, or how much load it can handle before it fails. However, it is very important for all of us involved in the welding process, from […]