fillet weld penetration test

[Danco]

Ive seen a lot of newcomers wonder if their weld is any good. this is a test done to certify fitters in proper tacking procedures. the objective is to lay a bead on one side of a 'T' joint, then break it and check to make sure penetration is complete to the root. if not, increase your amps, wire speed, volts, whatever process youre using. this test is based on 1/2 inch plates, but it works for whatever thickness youre going to weld. one thing thats very important here is to make the edge of the vertical plate a sharp edge, not rouded corners (ex. hot rolled steel)

[ZACHV]

If you can break it does that mean that it is not good or does everyone break and you can just observe the penetration?

[Guest]

Originally posted by ZACHV
If you can break it does that mean that it is not good or does everyone break and you can just observe the penetration?

Good question, Zach....the weld is broken to observe the extent of the penetration. In some cases it is measured...how much force it takes to break it. It is better to have the weld pull out if the base metal than to break through the middle of the weld.

[Danco]

here's the pic of how its meant to be broken. you just hit it from the top and then observe the penetration.

[Guest]

I copied this out of the AWS D1.1, and it as difficult to get it in a format to post here, but here it is...the bend jig requirement for weldor qualification.

[Guest]

And this one how they cut a plate to test it.