How to Read Weld Symbols ?

Weld symbols are the simple way of communication between the designer and the welder. The welding symbol consists majorly two parts, these are arrow and tail. The arrow indicates where welding is required and it insects with a horizontal line to specific the weld point. And another part tail which divided into two segment. The tail uses for mentioning special instructions.

Welders need to be able to read weld symbols accurately. It helps in producing high-quality work within the limited time. It also helps in accomplishing the task in a single attempt, thus saving a lot of time.

Most of the vendors find it difficult to read the weld signs correctly due to the lack of training. Moreover, some welders don’t give much importance to the written materials.

In this article, we will discuss how to read weld symbols accurately. We will also see the benefit it may have in terms of cost-reduction and project quality.

The welding companies:

Welding companies can play a significant role in making their workers learn and apply weld symbols. They have their own limitations in terms of a limited number of welders available to work for their company.  For this reason, companies refrain from imposing strict hiring restrictions upon welders.

However, they can train their welders to make them capable of reading weld symbols accurately. They can accomplish it through training sessions on welding symbols.  Coaching classes within company premises can enhance the technical skills of welders.

Most of the small and medium-sized companies do not have professional trainers to train their welding staff. In such cases, they can hire professional welding trainers from outside resources.

Solution: Most of the welding supplies vendors and the sales representatives working for welding equipment manufacturers know how to read welding symbols. They can help in training the welding company’s staff at very reasonable fees.

Essential Elements of welding symbols:

Most of the welding symbols consist of some vital components:

• Reference line and arrow
• Primary Weld Symbols
• Dimensions
• Supplementary as well as finish symbols
• Tail
• Specification and Process

Fundamentals of Reading Weld Symbols:

Weld symbols determine the type of work that needs to be accomplished for completing a welding project.

Welding symbols represent the direction and type of weld desired. Each weld symbol consists of an arrowhead. This arrowhead points towards the required welding position.

The line joined to the arrow is called a leader line. The horizontally running lines are called reference lines. The leader line intersects the reference lines, and the arrows point upward or downward, to indicate the direction of the required weld.

Sometimes the direction of an arrow does not point toward the desired joint. The information on the reference line should be used to evaluate the exact position of the weld.

Weld symbols:

You can indicate the desired type of weld joint by using specific symbol. The American Welding Society have produced a chart to check these symbols.

At the center of a reference line, there are parallel lines or geometric shape.  These lines denote the kind of that desired weld you want.

The tail:

The tail is present at contradicting end of the reference line represents the specialized instructions for welders. It may contain several forks pointing in different directions.

It is essential to understand the weld symbols given on the reference lines. They indicate the type of the desired weld.

Position of the Weld Symbol:

It is vital to observe the Placement of the symbol closely while reading a welding diagram.

• If a weld symbol is underneath the reference line, it shows that the weld should present on the arrow side.
• According to a weld symbol up above the reference line, the weld should certainly be on the conflicting sides of the joint.
• A weld symbol is shown on both sides of the reference lines indicates multiple welds are available on couple of sides of the joint.

Letters on the Welding Symbols:

The letters on the welding symbols are also called Finish symbols. They also give important information regarding the desired method of making contour. Some of them are listed here:

• A: Angle of Countersink
• F: Finish Symbol
• G: Grinding Finish
• M: Machining Finish
• P: Pitch of Welds
• R: Root opening
• T: Specification Process
• C: Chipping
• U: Unspecified
• H: Hammering

Types of Welds:

Most common types of welds include

• Fillet Welds
• Groove Welds(Square Groove Welds, V-Groove Welds, Bevel Groove Welds, U-Groove Welds, J-Groove Welds, Flare Groove Welds)
• Plug and Slot Welds

Difference between the Welding Symbol and a Weld Symbol:

The weld symbol signifies the required weld type, whereas the welding symbol is a presentation of weld symbols in a diagrammatic form.

FAQ’s

Why is a tail added to the basic welding symbol?

Answer: If we talk about the tail of welding symbol, it represents the desired welding and cutting procedures. It also denotes the welding stipulations and other details to be used for welding.

What is the purpose of a weld symbol?

Weld symbols describe the welding processes which is necessary in the operations for metal joining. The weld either confined or “all-around”.

What does “M” and “G” mean in welding symbols?

These symbols represent the method of finish. “M” specifies machining and “G” symbolize grinding. “M” is used when welds need to be mechanically finished.

What does a fillet weld symbol look like?

A fillet weld symbol have these components: a reference line, an arrow line and the tail. It also contains the Weld Procedure Specification (WPS) info. It also includes leg size.  We use a triangle for its representation.

How do you define weld size?

The length of the leg determines the weld size. If anyone wants to measure the length of the giant triangle’s legs, he can use fillet weld sizes.

What does a dashed line mean on a weld symbol?

If the dashed line is on the other side of the reference line, it indicates an “arrow side” weld. If it is on the same side as shown on the symbol, then it will go on the “other side.”