Is Stress Relieving Always Necessary After Welding

[TorsionalStress]

I designed brackets made up of welded components to withstand heavy loads.

I would like to know is it always necessary to Stress Relieve welded components before any machining is to be done on the components?

If not, when is it necessary to Stress Relieve components?

Any response will be greatly appreciated!

 

[metengr]

The answer to your question is unfortunately, "it depends". It depends on the material, forming processes and end use. Stress relieving of components is somewhat subjective because it is really done on a case-by-case basis. If you need real dimensional stability, I would recommend a stress relief operation to assure reduction of residual stresses introduced by welding or from fabrication (heavy forming).

 

[MikeHalloran]

If you have to machine the parts after welding, that suggests you have some tight tolerances, and that suggests that you will need stress relieving.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[griffengm]

TS,
Design and design is the answer to both of your questions.
Often you can design a weldment so that the resulting stresses have minimal critical effect on the end result. Sometimes you cannot.
Who is paying the bill generally points to the path to be taken.

Griffy