Thermal Arc FABRICATOR 181i, Operating Manual

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Fabricator 181i
Manual 0-5191 4-19 BASIC WELDING GUIDE
Overcoming Distortion Effects
There are several methods of minimizing distortion effects.
A. Peening
This is done by hammering the weld while it is still hot. The weld metal is flattened slightly and because of
this the tensile stresses are reduced a little. The effect of peening is relatively shallow, and is not advisable
on the last layer.
B. Distribution of Stresses
Distortion may be reduced by selecting a welding sequence which will distribute the stresses suitably so that
they tend to cancel each other out. See Figures 4-30 through 4-33 for various weld sequences. Choice of a
suitable weld sequence is probably the most effective method of overcoming distortion, although an unsuitable
sequence may exaggerate it. Simultaneous welding of both sides of a joint by two welders is often successful
in eliminating distortion.
C. Restraint of Parts
Forcible restraint of the components being welded is often used to prevent distortion. Jigs, positions, and tack
welds are methods employed with this in view.
D. Presetting
It is possible in some cases to tell from past experience or to find by trial and error (or less frequently, to
calculate) how much distortion will take place in a given welded structure. By correct pre-setting of the
components to be welded, constructional stresses can be made to pull the parts into correct alignment. A
simple example is shown in Figure 4-31.
E. Preheating
Suitable preheating of parts of the structure other than the area to be welded can be sometimes used to reduce
distortion. Figure 4-32 shows a simple application. By removing the heating source from b and c as soon as
welding is completed, the sections b and c will contract at a similar rate, thus reducing distortion.
Art # A-07707
Figure 4-31: Principle of Presetting
Art # A-07708
B
Preheat Preheat
Dotted lines show effect if no preheat is used
Weld
C
Figure 4-32: Reduction of Distortion by Preheating