AWS Certified Welding Inspector — FundamentalsWelding SymbolsMedium
A CWI is evaluating a design for a sheet metal fabrication. The welding symbol indicates a spot weld with the diameter specified as 'ø10'. What does this dimension represent?
- AThe electrode tip diameter used for the spot weld.
- BThe minimum shear strength of the spot weld in kN.
- CThe diameter of the resistance spot weld in millimeters.
- DThe pitch distance between multiple spot welds.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The diameter of the resistance spot weld in millimeters.
For spot welds, the dimension indicated by 'ø' followed by a number represents the nominal diameter of the spot weld, typically in millimeters, unless otherwise specified. Shear strength is indicated differently, usually in the tail.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While related, the symbol specifically denotes the weld diameter, not necessarily the electrode tip diameter.
- B. Shear strength is indicated in the tail of the symbol, not directly next to the spot weld symbol as a diameter.
- D. Pitch distance is indicated to the right of the spot weld symbol, after the length/number of welds.
Spot Weld Diameter
The diameter of a spot weld is indicated on the welding symbol by the 'ø' (diameter) symbol followed by a numerical value, representing the nominal size of the weld nugget.
- Dimension is typically in millimeters.
- Placed directly on the spot weld symbol.
- Refers to the effective diameter of the weld.
Memory trick: Circle Size is Diameter.