WLDG 1428
Unit #4
Introduction to Fillet
Welds, Weld Joints and
Fillet Weld Acceptance
Criteria.
Student Learning Objectives
■ Define Fillet Weld.
■ Recognize that the Fillet Weld requires
no groove preparation.
■ Specify a Corner to Corner Fillet Weld.
■ Recognize Problems and Solutions
within a Corner to Corner Fillet Weld.
Student Learning Objectives
■ Specify that within a Fillet Weld,
designed should be referenced to
the Thinner Member.
■ Specify Fillet Weld Measurements.
■ Specify Acceptable and
Unacceptable Fillet Weld Profiles.
BACKGROUND
■ The loads in a welded steel design are
transferred from one member to
another through welds placed in weld
joints. Both the type of joint and the
type of weld are specified by the
designer. Fillet welds are the most
commonly used joint configuration
within structural welding.
BACKGROUND
■ As weldors and welding technicians, you
need to understand what joints or
combination of joints fit and suit the job
best. Knowing what joints are the best
for a specific job will keep you and the
rest of the public safe and sound.
Fillet Weld
■ According to AWS, fillet weld is defined
as:
■ “A weld of approximately triangular
cross section joining two surfaces
approximately at right angles to each
other in a lap joint, T-joint, or corner
joint.”
Fillet Weld
Fillet Weld
■ The fillet weld requires no groove
preparation and is one of the most
commonly used welds. Corner welds
(fillet welds) are also widely used to
machine design.
Corner Fillet Weld
■ Of fillet welds, the corner to corner fillet
weld would probably be one of your
more difficult ones to master.
Corner Fillet Weld
■ Neither plate can be supported by the
other as illustrated in example (a).
Corner Fillet Weld
■ A small electrode with low welding
current, must be used so that the root
pass does not burn through.
Corner Fillet Weld
■ Furthermore, the joint requires a large
amount of metal to be deposited.
Corner Fillet Weld
■ Corner to corner fillet weld (b) is easier
to assemble and does not burn through
as easily.
Corner Fillet Weld
■ Having this type of corner fillet
assembly would make it possible to
obtain the same total throat as with the
first weld.
Corner Fillet Weld
■ Hence, only half the weld metal needed
to be used and the weld just as strong.
Fillet Weld
■ With thick plates, a partial-penetration
groove joint, as in (d) is often used.
Fillet Weld
■ This requires beveling. For a deeper
joint, a J preparation, as in (e), may be
used in preference to a bevel.
Fillet Weld
■ The fillet weld (f) is completely out of
sight and makes a neat and economical
corner.
Fillet Weld
Fillet Weld
■ The size of the weld should always be
designed with reference to the size of
the thinner member.
Fillet Weld
■ The joint cannot be made any stronger
by using the thicker member for the
weld size, and much more weld metal
will be required, as illustrated below.
Fillet Weld
■ Here in the United
States, a fillet weld is
measured by the leg
size of the largest right
triangle that may be
inscribed within the
cross-sectional area as
depicted here.
Fillet Weld
■ The throat is the shortest distance
between the root of the joint and the
face of the weld.
Fillet Weld
■ The leg size used may be shorter than
the actual leg of the weld.
Fillet Weld
■ Conversely, with a convex fillet weld,
the actual throat may be longer than
the throat of the inscribed triangle.
■ In accordance
with AWS D1.1,
the minimum
fillet weld size,
except for fillet
welds used to
reinforce groove
welds, shall be
as shown in
Table 5.8.
Fillet Weld Acceptance
Criteria
■ The minimum fillet
weld size shall
apply in all cases,
unless the design
drawings specify
welds of a larger
size.
Fillet Weld Acceptance
Criteria
■ Shown below are the acceptable and
unacceptable fillet weld profiles, as per
AWS:
Evaluation:
■ Student to be tested on Welding
Program WLDG 1428 Test #2.
Summary:
■ The loads in a welded steel design are
transferred from one member to
another through welds placed in weld
joints. Even though that both the type
of joint and weldment are specified by
the designer (engineer), it is up to you
(the weldor) to know if this is the best
joint for the job at hand.
Summary:
■ We have concluded that fillet welds and in
combination with other joint designs are the
most commonly used joint configuration
within structural welding. As weldors and
welding technicians, you need to always keep
in mind if that joint is best fitted, economical
and best suited for the job. It is this
knowledge that will make you a valuable
asset to yourself and the company you work
for.
