The welding process involves depositing a filler material into the crevice or joint between two metal workpieces. This method produces a bead, which is a term used to describe the weld itself. The welder can arrange the beads in various patterns to execute the different welding techniques. Continue reading to learn more about common welding patterns and methods.
Welding Pattern Names and Types
The two main types of welding bead patterns are stringers and weaves. A stringer bead occurs when the technician gently pushes or pulls the welding torch across the center of the joint with little side-to-side movement. This technique produces a deep weld penetration and higher overall quality.
A weave bead uses a crisscross motion to move the weld puddle and lay the bead, which is useful for vertical welding processes where avoiding drips is essential. Examples of weave bead variations include:
- Convex: You can create this bead by moving the torch in a slightly curved pattern that resembles a shark fin or a circular saw blade tooth. The technique works well when filling a wider bead.
- Concave: This bead pattern is the inverse of the convex weave and is often the best choice when filling wider beads with a high crown.
- Curlicue: A curlicue pattern is a hybrid of the convex and concave techniques. It involves using the torch to create a series of ovals to produce a wide bead.
- Triangle: You can make this bead by creating a series of connected triangles with the torch. It is ideal for vertical welding applications.
- Ladder: This bead pattern requires moving the torch up and down to produce a series of rectangles. The stroke should be slightly curved, similar to the concave technique.
- Jagged: This weave bead resembles the ladder, except that it involves making small upward and downward movements to create jagged ends resembling hacksaw blade teeth.
Beads for Various Welding Techniques
The welding process you select also enables you to produce different types of beads:
- Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding: The welding beads from this method resemble a toppled stack of dimes. This occurs due to the welder applying precisely spaced dabs of filler material to create a slightly overlapping circular pattern. Increasing the torch’s speed places the beads closer together.
- Metal inert gas (MIG) welding: Hardwire MIG welding makes it easier to lay straight stringer beads. Welders can implement multiple techniques that enable them to push or pull the puddle to achieve the desired result. It’s also possible to flux-core the MIG weld to increase the amount of filler material in the joint.
- Stick welding: This welding technique is extremely versatile and enables the welder to generate a wide range of bead patterns. Horizontal stick welding allows the technician to lay a straight, narrow stringer bead by dragging the filler rod. It’s also possible to create a weave bead pattern by implementing a right-angle technique.
Contact PBZ Manufacturing for Your Welding Needs
Our certified welders at PBZ are familiar with all the common welding bead types. As a full-service MIG and TIG welding company, we can apply the most appropriate techniques for your manufacturing projects. Contact us to request additional information and a free quote today.
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