Metal fabricating and welding glossary - WXYZ

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Weld accessibility

Ease of reaching the weld area with the torch or electrode.

Weld distortion

Depression or bulge on surface, caused by thermal expansion.

Welding

Welding is a process for joining similar metals. Welding joins metals by melting and fusing the base metals being joined and the filler metal applied. Welding employs pinpointed, localized heat input. Most welding involves ferrous-based metals such as steel and stainless steel. Welding covers a temperature range of 1500º F - 3000º F. Weld joints are usually stronger than, or as strong as, the base metals being joined. Typically, welding is used for forging, blacksmithing, oil pipelines, and food equipment applications. See electrode, MIG, and TIG.

Photo of welding process.

Weld nut

Internally threaded hardware designed to be spot or projection welded onto sheet metal parts.

Weld stud

Externally threaded hardware in various lengths in headed and head-less version, welded in place.

Weldability

Ability of a material to be fused successfully without special processing.

Weld-to-edge distance

Minimum distance from a spot weld to the material edge to create an acceptable spot weld.

Weld-to-form distance

Minimum distance from a formed area to electrodes to avoid shorting.

Weld-to-weld spacing

Minimum distance between spot welds to avoid shunting through the existing weld spot.

Workholder mark

Marring of material through the use of clamping device.

Workholder

Mechanical device which holds a workpiece.

Workpiece

That piece of metal or object that is intended to be subjected to, or is being subjected to, any of the metal forming processes such as casting, forging, stamping and machining. See Drilling, Grooving, Milling, Tapping, and Turning.

Call us today at 1-219-931-3131, email us at sales@midwestmetalfabrication.com, or send a fax using 1-219-844-8512 to get a quick quote to help solve your heavy gauge steel fabricating problems.