Control Welding Distortion with Welding Engineers in Australia
The experts in welding inspection and consultancy, Technoweld is here to share our explanation of welding distortion and tips and tricks for controlling distortion in welding. We are the leading welding inspection and consultancy in Australia, offering welding consultancy and welding training in both metal fabrication and welding control. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of welding services across the country.
Welding Distortion
A common frustration all welders have in metal fabrication is being able to predict, prevent and control welding distortion. Welding distortion occurs due to the uneven expansion and contraction of metal during heating. There are many factors that affect distortion and comprehending and balancing these is crucial in ensuring the final product is correct. Distortion control is best learned by practice and experience. Welding distortion happens to many welders, it just takes time, patience, and practice to get it right.
You need to understand why welding distortion occurs to control it. Typically, there are three elements to consider: The two pieces that are being welded together and the weld metal itself. Distortion forces affect all three elements.
As the volume increases, the amount of force increases and so does the distortion. Therefore, more weld equals more distortion.
The types of distortion:
- Longitudinal distortion
- Transverse distortion
- Angular distortion
Watch the video below for the fundamentals of why distortion happens and how to control it, so you can apply these factors on the job.
The Three Rules of Welding Distortion Control
Strategic welding is required to ensure distortion is minimized. Learn more with our Three Rules of Welding Distortion Control.
Rule 1: Reduce weld metal volume to reduce distortion
Weld metal volume is both the size and length of the weld. Prepared angles can vary depending on the bevel angle of the joint to be welded. An angle that is too large will mean a larger surface area for welding and lead to greater distortion.
If additional strength is not required and corrosion is not an issue, you can try intermittent welding or stitch welding to reduce distortion. Backstep welding can also be used to minimize distortion caused by compound heating.
Rule 2: Use the distortion to your advantage to save time and money
If you know how much shrinkage distortion will create, you can preset the weld to allow for shrinkage. Material can be pre-cambered if you know that distortion will affect a job, but restraints should only be used for certain jobs and with certain materials.
Rule 3: Correct sequence and fixtures
Welding sequences depend on the complexity of the job. Planning ahead and using methods such as multi-pass balanced welding, staggering and intermittent welding, distortion is kept to a minimum.
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To learn more about the ways in which distortion can be prevented, call Technoweld on 1300 00 WELD to learn more