Butt Weld Symbol – What, Used & Illustrate!

• Post By: Brandon M. Fox  • Updated: 02/07/22
• Welding

A butt weld symbol is an elementary symbol and can be illustrated in various forms. they can also be combined to indicate weld from both sides.

Weld symbols are used in technical drawing to transfer information from the design to the fabrication floor, it standardizes the communication between all the people involved in the job. Weld symbols form part of a welding symbol which are graphically represented with a reference horizontal line and the arrow line. Additional details on the tail of a welding symbol may be used.

The graphical representation will depend on the type of standard in use. There are two main recognized standards around the globe, the European Standard in combination with ISO, and the American standard issued by the American Welding Society (AWS). (Read more about stitch welding symbol).

What is a butt weld?

It is a weld type in which the two adjacent surfaces to be welded are aligned next to each other. The alignment planes should be as close as possible to an angle of 180o. A change in the aligned angle outside a certain range may result in another type of weld being formed.

What is the uses?

It’s widely used within the metal fabrication industry. They are used in pipeline installation to weld the two pipe ends together. They are used in the production of seam welded pipe and they are also to weld flange to pipe.

In pressure vessel construction, butt welds are used to make the circumferential weld between the vessel head to the shell and to weld other longitudinal welds within the shell body.

The choice of the weld type, butt weld vs other types, is determined during the design phase. Several factors are considered when selecting the weld type, e.g., type of load (dynamic or static), the direction of the applied load, serviceability, accessibility, corrosion, cost, material size, etc.

Types of butt weld joints?

Types of butt welds on single-sided and double-sided joints:

  • Square butt weld
  • Single V
  • Single V with broad root face
  • Double V
  • Single bevel
  • Double bevel
  • Single bevel with broad root face
  • Single U
  • Double U
  • Single J
  • Double J
  • Flanged butt
  • Steep flanked single V
  • Steep flanked single bevel

Explained this symbol with illustrate?

Weld TypeDescriptionSymbolIllustration
Square buttButtweld without a bevel or groove preparation. The ends to be welded are squared.
Single VButt with a groove in V shape welded from one side.
Single V with broad root face  V-shaped groove welded from one side with an extended root face.
Double VWith a groove in form of X or double V, welded from both sides.
Single bevelWith a groove in half V shape welded from one side. Only one member is beveled
Double bevelWith a groove in K shape welded from both sides. Only one member is beveled.
Single bevel with broad root faceWith a groove in half V shape welded from one side with extended root face. Only one member is beveled.
Single UWith a groove in U shape welded from one side.
Double UWith a groove in double U shape welded from both sides.
Single JWith a groove in J shape welded from one side.
Double JWith a groove in double J shape welded from both sides.
Flanged butt or corner weldButtweld on the edge of two surfaces that forms a natural groove.
Steep flanked single VButtweld in form of a V and cut on the bottom.
Steep flanked single bevel buttIn form of a half V and cut on the bottom.

Conclusion

These symbols form part of a welding symbol. A weld symbol when used in a technical drawing, certain rules need to be followed according to the applicable standard.

A proper welding symbol should contain information regarding the weld symbol, the indication of the member to be grooved, weld size, complete or partial penetration weld, and some additional information if needed.

Brandon M. Fox

I have completed Diploma at Welding. I have spent 10+ years in Welding. Now love to write about welding and welding products and share my own experiences. Find me: Twitter | Facebook

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