▽ Groove weld
Groove weld · Soldadura en plano · ISO 1101 + ASME Y14.5
Example in plan
How to interpret it
On the drawing, “60° V-groove, complete joint penetration” states a groove weld requirement.
What controls
A weld deposited inside a joint preparation machined or cut into the edges of the parts (V, double-V, U, J, or square butt with a gap). The symbol states the shape of the preparation and, with the dimensions that accompany it, the groove angle, the root face and the root opening. It is the joint type that allows the full plate thickness to be joined; penetration can be complete or partial, and that is set by the drawing, not by the welder.
How to verify
Before welding, the preparation is checked with a bevel gauge and caliper: groove angle, root face height and root opening. Afterwards, visual inspection covers reinforcement, width and absence of undercut. Actual penetration cannot be seen from the outside: it is demonstrated by volumetric non-destructive testing (ultrasonic or radiographic) when the drawing requires it, or by a macro-etch on a procedure qualification test coupon.
Common mistakes when interpreting it
- Assuming every groove weld is complete joint penetration: partial penetration is just as legitimate and it is the drawing that says which.
- Changing the groove angle or root face to make the weld easier to run: that invalidates the qualified procedure.
- Relying on visual inspection to accept penetration: from the outside, a weld with no root fusion looks the same as a sound one.
How to get it in the workshop / if it comes out of tolerance
The joint preparation is prior work by the cutting or machining shop: if the angle, the root face or the root opening do not match the drawing, the weld will come out wrong even if the welder does everything right. It requires a qualified welder and an approved procedure, and with complete joint penetration the root usually has to be back-gouged from the reverse side before welding that side.
Lack of sidewall fusion usually comes from a groove angle that is too narrow or a badly aimed electrode: open up the preparation or change the weave technique. Incomplete root penetration points to an excessive root face or an insufficient root opening. If cracks appear on cooling in thick-section steels, review preheat and interpass temperature, which are procedure parameters and not drawing parameters.
Related symbols
Other symbols in Flat welding
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