Welding Preparation

[Steelforbrains]

What type of weld preparation would you recommend for butt welding two 1" thick A36 plates that are 48" long, I am looking for full penetration. I am using flux cored 0.065 wire. What would be the minumum groove size and can I get away without preheating. As always I am limited on fabrication time so the quicker and dirtier the better.
Thanks

What is a good source for information like this?

 

[metengr]

If you want to reduce distortion and reduce chances for defects, I would recommend a double-vee weld prep. A weld prep of this type will require welding to be performed from both sides of the plates. The main advantages to a double-vee weld joint are;

1. Assurance of full penetration, thru back grinding to reach sound weld metal and

2. Balance of residual stresses from welding

For a plate of 1" thickness, I would recommend a minimum preheat of 200 deg F and hold for 15 minutes at temperature before you start welding. Prehat is based on base metal thickness and steel composition, and not weld prep geometry.

As far as information, you can Google welding of carbon steel and come up with many hits including the site below for starters;

http://www.khake.com/page89.html

 

[henri2]

AWS D1.1

Preheat: Table 3.2 Category B. 50 deg F is minimum so metengr's recommendations are fine

Prequalified Joint: B-U3-GF. Figure 3.4 for double CJP groove weld. This will provide groove peparation information. Groove angle shown is 60 degrees.

For double bevel CJP groove weld in butt joint look at Figure 3.4 joint dsignation B-U5-GF. Each bevel angle is 45 degrees.

Will the the member be vertical, horizontal, or inclined when installed?

 

[Steelforbrains]

henri2,
I am welding a cylinder that is 7' in diameter and 4' long. The cylinder will be mounted nearly horizontal (3 deg off) and will be rotated about its axis. This is not a pressure vessel.