AWS Certified Welding Inspector — FundamentalsWelding SymbolsHard
A welding inspector is reviewing a blueprint for an assembly requiring a resistance spot weld. The welding symbol indicates a spot weld with a dimension of '10' above the symbol. Laterally, the symbol specifies '5X50'. What does the '10' above the spot weld symbol represent?
- AThe number of spot welds.
- BThe thickness of the base metal.
- CThe shear strength in kN per spot.
- DThe diameter of the spot weld.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The shear strength in kN per spot.
For resistance spot welds, a dimension above or below the spot weld symbol, when no diameter is specified, typically represents the shear strength in pounds per spot or kilonewtons (kN) per spot, depending on the unit system. '10' in this context would likely be 10 kN shear strength.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The number of spot welds ('5') is indicated to the right, before the pitch ('50').
- B. Base metal thickness is not typically indicated directly by a number above the spot weld symbol.
- D. The diameter, if specified, would typically be a dimension to the left of the spot weld symbol.
Spot Weld Shear Strength
For resistance spot welds, the required shear strength per spot, if not otherwise dimensioned, is indicated by a number placed above or below the spot weld symbol.
- Dimension above/below symbol.
- Represents shear strength.
- Units often in pounds or kilonewtons.
Memory trick: Shear strength is 'above' the spot, like a force.