There is much for a welder to decipher. While there are many elements in welding, understanding common weld mistake symbols is imperative to an excellent welding experience. However, due to the massive technicality of this activity, simple errors are the norm.

Whether its misunderstanding or misreading weld symbols, even the pros make mistakes. This article takes you through the most common weld symbol mistakes that occur from time to time. Read on!

Back Weld vs. Backing Weld

Ever known that a back weld is different from a backing weld? Well, this is one of the most common weld mistakes. Both the backing and back welds use the same symbol, which is an unshaded semi-circle. The semicircle symbol might make it difficult to differentiate between these two phenomena.

The semicircle is used to indicate both welds, while a tail attached to the symbol specifies whether it’s a back or backing weld. The backing weld is always applied before the groove weld while the back weld goes after the groove weld.

Determining which type of weld requires proper knowledge rather than relying on the symbol alone. A multiple reference line may specify the operation sequence or welding procedure.

Depth and Size of a Groove Weld

The size and depth of a groove weld do not imply the same thing. Depth is the measurement taken before any welding takes place. This measurement is used to prepare the joint for welding.

On the other hand, size is the measure of the weld taken during and after the welding process. It is the effective throat on a groove weld. Mostly, the size of the groove weld is shown on the left of the groove in a parenthesis. In some cases, there might be a lack of parenthesis. In this case, the large number indicates the groove size while the smaller one indicates the groove depth.

Weld Process References

An abbreviation is always placed within the tail of the welding symbol to indicate the use of a specific weld process. For instance, GTAW is used as the abbreviation for gas tungsten arc welding. On the other hand, EBW is the natural abbreviation for electron beam welding.

In many instances, there is a natural assumption, especially for close references. For example, one might confuse between a resistance seam weld and a resistance spot weld. Such assumptions might be catastrophic, and it’s essential to consult a list of abbreviations.

The Bottom Line

Above are some common weld symbol mistakes to get conversant with. While some might seem obvious mistakes, they might impact weld processes significantly. You can only avoid these mistakes when you understand them, regardless of whether you are a starter or established welder.

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What are some mistake welding symbols you have used? Leave a comment below.