Pipe Welding Terminology: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional pipe welder, it’s important to understand the terms and vocabulary associated with the craft. Pipe welding terminology can be confusing and overwhelming, but with this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to master the basics in no time.
Welding Terms
Welding is a fabrication process that involves joining materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, using a combination of heat, pressure, and filler material. There are several types of welding, including oxy-fuel welding, arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding. Each of these processes has its own specific terminology.
Arc Welding
Arc welding is a type of welding that uses an electric arc to generate heat and weld two or more pieces of metal together. The arc is created by an electrical current that passes through a workpiece, creating a molten pool of metal that is then used to join the pieces. Common arc welding terms include:
- Arc – an electric current that passes through a workpiece to create a molten pool of metal.
- Arc length – the distance between the electrode and the workpiece.
- Electrode – a metal rod or wire used to create the electric arc.
- Electrode angle – the angle at which the electrode is held relative to the workpiece.
- Weld pool – the molten metal created by the electric arc.
- Arc blow – a phenomenon caused by a magnetic field that affects the stability of the arc.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) is a type of welding that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce an electric arc. The arc is used to heat the workpiece, and filler material is added to join the pieces. Common GTAW terms include:
- Tungsten – a non-consumable electrode used to create the electric arc.
- Filler material – material used to join the two pieces of metal.
- Gas tungsten arc – the electric arc created by the tungsten electrode.
- Shielding gas – a gas that is used to protect the weld from atmospheric contamination.
- Backpurge – a process in which inert gas is used to protect the backside of the weld from oxidation.
- Arc length – the distance between the tungsten electrode and the workpiece.
Pipe Welding Terminology
Pipe welding is a type of welding that involves joining two or more pipes together. It is a specialized form of welding that requires a certain set of skills and knowledge. Common pipe welding terms include:
- Root pass – the first layer of weld deposited on a pipe joint.
- Filler pass – additional layers of weld deposited to build up the joint.
- Tack weld – a small weld used to temporarily hold two pieces of metal in place.
- Backing strip – a flat strip of metal used to support the root pass of a weld.
- Heat input – the amount of energy used to create the weld.
- Weld profile – the shape of the weld bead created by the welding process.
Welding Vocabulary
In addition to the terms specific to pipe welding and other types of welding, there are also many general welding terms that apply to both processes. Common welding vocabulary words include:
- Flux – a material used to protect the weld from contamination.
- Weld joint – the area where two pieces of metal are joined.
- Weld bead – the line or ridge created by the welding process.
- Weld symmetry – the uniformity of the weld bead.
- Weld penetration – the depth of the weld bead.
- Weld strength – the ability of a weld to withstand stress.
Conclusion
Learning the various pipe welding terminology is essential for anyone who wants to become a successful pipe welder. With this comprehensive guide, you can now understand the basics of welding terms and vocabulary and apply them to your welding projects.
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