This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

198 Welding Print Reading

Unit 16
the weld into the joint and provides clearance for the elec- A V-groove weld applied to the joint in Figure 16-2
trode. Burning, grinding, arc gouging, chiseling, or is shown in Figure 16-3. Also shown is the welding sym-
machining removes the metal. bol. Note that the distance specified for the root opening
(.06) is shown inside the groove weld symbol and the
Root Opening, Groove Angle, and Bevel groove angle information (60°) is placed outside the weld
Groove Welds Angle symbol. As with fillet welds, dimensions for groove
welds are shown on the same side of the reference line as
It is important to be familiar with the common terms the weld symbol.
associated with groove joints and the preparation of groove
welds. The root opening is the gap at the joint root work-
pieces, Figure 16-2. The joint root refers to the part of a
Preparation Size and Effective Throat of
joint to be welded where the members align closest to each Groove Welds
other. The root opening is used to provide access to the The effective throat is the minimum distance (minus
joint for the electrode and improved weld penetration. any convexity) between the weld root and the face of the
When additional clearance or penetration is needed weld. It describes the weld size (penetration), Figure 16-4.
After completing Unit 16, you will be able to: for thicker material, an angle is placed on the edge of the When specified for a weld, the effective throat is shown
H Differentiate a groove weld from other types of welds. material. A groove angle is the total angle formed in parentheses to the left of the weld symbol. As shown
H Interpret dimensions for preparing groove welds, including the depth of between the groove face on one workpiece and the in Figure 16-4, it appears to the right of the depth of
preparation, groove angle, bevel angle, and root opening size. groove face on the other workpiece. The groove face is bevel. The depth of bevel indicates the depth of prepara-
H Determine the preparation size and effective throat of groove welds. the joint member surface included in the groove. A bevel tion for preparing the joint.
H Apply groove weld dimensioning standards. angle is the angle formed between the bevel of one piece The effective throat of a groove weld is specified
H Interpret surface finish and contour symbols. and a plane perpendicular to the surface of the piece. The when the weld extends only partially through the mem-
H Interpret melt-through, back, and backing weld symbols. angle may be placed on one side of the joint, as with a bers being joined. Complete joint penetration is indicated
H Explain uses for backing, joint spacers, and runoff weld tabs. single-bevel-groove, or the angle may be placed on both when no dimension is given on the welding symbol for a
sides, as in a V-groove.
Key Words
backing groove radii
bevel angle joint root Weld size
Groove angle (effective throat)
effective throat joint spacers Depth of
flare-groove welds root faces bevel
groove angle root opening
3 15
groove face runoff weld tabs 3 15 Effective throat 4 ( 16 )
4 16
Bevel angle Root face
Groove welds are made in the space between two sections of metal, Figure 16-1.
With the exception of the square-groove and flare-groove joints, one or more of
the members being joined is prepared by removing metal to form a V-, J-, or Root opening
U-shaped trough. This joint preparation provides for deeper or full penetration of Desired weld Symbol
Groove face
Figure 16-4.
Figure 16-2.
Square-groove A dimension in parentheses to the left of the weld symbol
Common terms describing the parts of a groove joint.
welds gives the effective throat (weld size) of the groove weld when
the weld extends partly through the members being joined.

Face

3
4
Toe
Single-bevel-groove weld Double-bevel-groove weld Single-V-groove weld .06
60˚ 1 12
Reinforcement
3
4
Root Desired weld Symbol
Double-V-groove weld Double-J-groove weld Single-J-groove weld
Figure 16-3. Figure 16-5.
A V-groove weld with its parts identified. The welding symbol When no dimension is given on the welding symbol, the weld
Figure 16-1.
shows the root opening size and the groove angle. should completely penetrate the joint.
Single-groove and double-groove weld joints are shown.

197
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

Unit 16 Groove Welds 199 200 Welding Print Reading

single-groove or a symmetrical double-groove weld. S(E) the print, Figure 16-12. When a break in the arrow is used Other side bevel-groove
Figure 16-5 illustrates complete weld penetration for a with bevel- and J-groove welds, the arrow points toward weld symbol
double-groove joint. E
the member to be beveled, Figure 16-13.
A dimension not in parentheses on the left of a S
bevel-, V-, J-, or U-groove weld symbol (in cases where
the effective throat is not specified, or is specified else- S = Depth extends from
point of tangency 3 1 90°
where on the print) indicates the size of the weld prepa- to top of member 8 (2)
3 3 7
ration only, Figure 16-6. No such dimension is needed E = Effective throat 60° 4 7 4 (8) 60°
8
with a square-groove weld. Desired weld Symbol
Optional groove preparation with complete penetra-
Figure 16-8. Desired weld Symbol
tion is indicated when the letters CJP are shown in the tail Flare-groove weld size extends only to the tangent points of
of the reference line. No weld symbol is used, as in the joint members.
3
Figure 16-13.
Figure 16-7. 1 8 90° A break in an arrow always points toward the member of the
The weld size of a flare-groove weld is considered 2 single-bevel-groove or J-groove joint to be beveled.
only to the tangent point (the point where the curved sur- Desired weld Symbol
faces meet), Figure 16-8. Groove
Depth of angle Figure 16-11.
3 preparation Groove welds differing in size are dimensioned in the manner
4 shown. 1
Root 8
30° 7 opening 3 0 1
7 8 8
8 30° 4 30°
0
3 0 NOTE-
30° 4 30° ALL V-GROOVE WELDS SHALL
HAVE A 60° GROOVE ANGLE
Joint preparation Symbol Desired weld Symbol
UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
Figure 16-6. Figure 16-14.
Weld preparation only is indicated if no dimension is in Desired preparation Symbol
60° The root opening of a groove weld is specified inside the weld
parentheses to the left of the bevel-, V-, J-, or U-groove symbol when standards are not otherwise indicated.
weld symbol. Figure 16-9.
Specifications for the preparation of an arrow side J-groove weld.

Weld specified Note and symbol 45°

CJP Double-groove welds are dimensioned on both
sides of the reference line if no general note appears 45°
Figure 16-12. 45°
on the print, Figure 16-10. If the welds differ in size, If a general note indicating weld size is on the print, no groove
they are dimensioned as in Figure 16-11. Groove weld dimensions are given with the welding symbol.
welding symbols will not include dimensions when a 45°

Desired weld Symbol general note determining groove weld size appears on
50°

Figure 16-7.
Groove Dimensions 50°

The letters CJP in the tail of the reference line indicate optional Many companies have established their own stan-
90°
groove preparation with complete weld penetration. 30° dards for groove weld dimensions. These standards are
60°
2 0 observed unless otherwise noted on the print. When com- 60°
30° 2 0 pany standards for groove welds are not indicated, the
30°
General Use of Groove Weld Symbol R following applies:
2 H The root opening is indicated inside the weld 90°
Different conventions are used for groove welding
0 symbol, Figure 16-14.
symbols depending on the dimensions that are specified 15°
2 H The groove angle or bevel angle is specified, 15°
and the information required. As previously discussed, R

dimensions for the preparation of groove welds are Figure 16-15.

R = User's standard
30°
shown on the same side of the reference line as the weld
symbol. See Figure 16-9. This example shows a J-groove Desired weld Symbol
weld. The information specified includes the depth of
Figure 16-10.
preparation, groove angle, and root opening. Unless there is a general note on the print, double-groove
welds are dimensioned on both sides of the reference line.
H The groove radii (used to form the shape of
J- or U-groove welds) and root faces (the parts Desired welds Symbols
of the groove face within the joint root) are shown
by cross section, detail, or other means with a Figure 16-15.
reference on the welding symbol, Figure 16-16. Study how groove angles of groove welds are specified.
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

Unit 16 Groove Welds 201 202 Welding Print Reading

X Weld made flush NOTE- 1

16
with base metal
1 by grinding 1. GROOVE WELD MADE BEFORE
R 4 MIN
SEE DWG B2345
G
DETAIL E
WELDING OTHER SIDE.

2.
1 3 (ABOVE FOUND ELSEWHERE ON PRINT)
16 TO 16 3 Desired weld Symbol NOTE 1 1
16 MAX. 16

ANGLE X POSITION Figure 16-18.

Symbol
45° MIN ALL Groove welds to be made flush mechanically are specified by
20° MIN F, V, O
12° MIN F a flush contour symbol and by the method to use to make the Desired weld Symbol
weld flush. Back weld
DETAIL E Figure 16-23.
(EXCEPT FROM DWG B2345, Desired welds Symbol
"GROOVE WELD STANDARDS") Only the back or backing weld height dimension is shown on
M Figure 16-20. the welding symbol. If other dimensions are needed, they are
Finished to smooth given elsewhere on the print.
Figure 16-16. Specifications for a back weld. A note in the tail of the refer-
convex contour
Groove radii and root faces of U- and J-groove welds are by machining ence line indicates whether to make a back or backing weld.
shown by cross section, detail, or other means with a welding M
symbol reference.
1
8
Weld deposited flush
NOTE 1
with base metal
Surface Finish and Contour of Groove Desired weld Symbol 1
8
Welds Figure 16-19.
The buildup of the groove weld above the surface of When groove welds are to be finished mechanically to a flush Desired weld Symbol
the base material is called reinforcement. Sometimes the contour, they are specified by a convex contour symbol and
welding symbol specifies that the reinforcement be min- the method of finishing. Desired welds Symbol Figure 16-24.
imized or removed. The melt-through weld symbol resembles the back or backing
Figure 16-21. weld symbol, but the bead is filled in. The height of root rein-
Groove welds to be made approximately flush (but
A flush contour symbol indicates the weld is to be finished forcement may appear as a dimension specified to the left of
not generally finished flush mechanically) are specified the melt-through symbol. (American Welding Society)
Melt-Through, Back, and Backing Welds approximately flush with the base metal.
by a flush contour symbol. This symbol is placed above
the weld symbol, as in Figure 16-17. Groove welds to be The melt-through, back, and backing weld symbols
show that a melt-through to the other side, bead-type
back, or backing weld is needed with a single-groove Backing, Joint Spacers, and Runoff Weld
Backing weld machined
weld. Points to remember include: flush with base metal
Tabs
Weld deposited M
H A back weld is made after the groove weld. NOTE 2 Backing is material placed against the back side of a
flush with
base metal H A backing weld is made before the groove weld. joint to withstand molten weld metal, Figure 16-25. It is
H A melt-through is a visible reinforcement pro- employed when full penetration groove welds are
duced in a groove weld from one side. required and welding can only be done from one side.
A note states whether a back or backing weld is to Backing is thoroughly penetrated by the weld and usually
be made. This note is placed in the tail of the welding Desired welds Symbol
Desired weld Symbol left in place.
symbol, Figure 16-20. As shown, a back or backing weld Figure 16-22.
Figure 16-17. symbol is located on the side of the reference line that is A symbol added above the flush contour symbol identifies the
A flush contour symbol is placed above the weld symbol when opposite the groove weld symbol. mechanical method used to finish the weld flush.
the groove weld is to be made approximately flush
and without the use of grinding, chipping, hammering, or
A flush contour symbol, added to the back or back- B-3
machining. ing weld symbol, indicates the weld should be approxi-
mately flush with the base metal, Figure 16-21. With the exception of height, which is optional, no
If the back or backing weld is to be made flush by other back or backing weld dimensions are shown with
mechanical means, the method of making the weld flush the weld symbol, Figure 16-23. If other dimensions are
made flush by mechanical means are specified with a is added to the flush contour symbol, Figure 16-22. required, they are shown on the drawing.
flush contour symbol and the method of making the weld When a back or backing weld is to be finished to Backing
A melt-through weld assures full joint penetration.
flush, Figure 16-18. Groove welds to be finished mechan- a convex contour by mechanical means, a convex con- The melt-through weld symbol is similar to the back or Desired weld Symbol
ically with a convex contour are specified by a convex tour symbol and finish symbol are added to the weld backing weld symbol with the bead filled in as shown in
contour symbol. The method of finishing the weld to a symbol. Figure 16-25.
Figure 16-24. A dimension to the left of the symbol spec-
Backing used in a joint. A specification indicating its use is
convex contour is also given, Figure 16-19. ifies the amount of melt-through. shown in the tail of the reference line.
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
Joint spacers are metal parts inserted in the joint
root as backing and to maintain the root opening during
welding, Figure 16-26. Joint spacers are sometimes used,
especially if the weld is in thick material and the mini-
mum possible V-angle is specified. In such welds, the root
must be gouged out completely, including the spacer bar,
before the second side of the groove is welded.
Runoff weld tabs provide an extension of the groove
beyond the pieces being joined when a full-length groove
weld is specified, Figure 16-27. Runoff tabs provide a
place to strike the arc and material at the end of the weld
to eliminate the weld crater. The angle or contour of the
runoff weld tab must be identical to that of the groove.
Since welding symbols give no indication of the
backing, spacer, or extension bar requirements, note that
unless covered by reference to AWS prequalified joints or
fabricators’ standards, special sketches of the weld pro-
file are provided.
Flare-Groove Welds
Flare-groove welds are used to join round or formed
metal parts. The groove that is formed when curved surfaces
are placed together does not have straight sides on one or
both members. Two round steel bars laid side-by-side, such
as reinforcing rod, have sides that are curved. The joint that
is formed does not have straight sides like a V-groove weld.
Joint
Desired weld
SPEC. 35A
Symbol
Figure 16-26.
Joint spacers may be specified when thick sections are welded.
In such welds, the root and joint spacers are gouged out
before the second side of the groove is welded. Specifications
are shown in the reference line tail.
Unit 16 Groove Welds
Runoff
bar
Runout plate
or backing
extension
Runoff
tab
Figure 16-27.
A runoff weld tab is used when a full-length groove weld is
specified. Specifications in the reference line tail or sketches
on the drawing may be used to indicate a runoff weld tab.
Figure 16-28 shows an example of a flare-V-groove
weld. Either two round parts (members) or two formed
parts (members) can be used to form the V-groove. The
symbol for the flare-V-groove weld can be placed on a
single side, or the symbol can indicate that the weld
should be made on both sides.
The depth dimension for a flare-V-groove weld is
given as the distance from the top of the member to the
point of tangency (where it touches the other member or
part). Figure 16-29 shows a dimension of .31 to the point
of tangency and a weld size of .25. Notice that the weld
size is placed in parentheses. The weld size is the dis-
tance from the surface of the part to the root of the weld.
1.00 (.75)
.75
1.00
Figure 16-28.
A flare-V-groove weld applied to a joint formed by two round
parts.
203 204 Welding Print Reading
For round parts, the first dimension is the radius of Combination Weld Symbols
the round part. Figure 16-28 shows the round bar has a Combination weld symbols are used when other types
radius of 1.00 and a weld size of .75. of welds are required with groove welds. Figure 16-32
If only one part is round or formed, then the formed shows a flare-bevel-groove weld with two fillet welds.
part and a straight part form a flare-bevel-groove weld.
The weld symbols specify a fillet weld over the flare-
Figure 16-30 shows a formed part welded to a straight bevel-groove weld on the arrow side, and a fillet weld on
the other side. The dimensions for the combination sym-
bol are applied in the same manner as those used for the
.31 (.25) flare-groove weld symbol and the fillet weld symbol.
Top of
member (part)
1.00 (.75)
.25 .31
Point of
tangency 1.00
0.75
Figure 16-29.
Dimensions for a flare-V-groove weld.
.50 (.25) Figure 16-31.
Dimensions for a flare-bevel-groove weld joining a round part
to a straight part. The first dimension in the welding symbol
.25
indicates the distance from the top of the part to the point of
tangency (the radius of the round part) and the second dimen-
sion indicates the size of the weld.
.50
Groove weld size
Point of .25
tangency
.38 (.18)
.25
Figure 16-30.
A flare-bevel-groove weld can be formed by one round, or
formed, part, and a straight part.
part. The dimensions used to describe the flare-bevel-
groove weld have the same meaning as those used for the
flare-V-groove weld. The first dimension indicates the
distance from the top of the part to the point of tangency
and the second dimension indicates the size of the weld.
Notice that the first dimension for round parts indicates Figure 16-32.
the radius of the round part. See Figure 16-31. A welding symbol with combination weld symbols for a flare-
bevel-groove weld and two fillet welds. The dimensions for
combination weld symbols are applied in the same manner as
those for each type of weld symbol.
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

Unit 16 Groove Welds 205 206 Welding Print Reading

Print Reading Activities Part III

Study the drawings shown and sketch in the welding symbol(s) that will describe each joint.
Part I
Identify the groove weld joints shown below. Write your answers in the spaces provided.

1. 2.
1 BEVEL ANGLE 45°
16 WELDS GROUND FLUSH

1. 2. 1
1 1
2 8
8

3. 4.
0 2
30° 5
1
8

3. 4.
1
8

5. 6.
GROOVE ANGLES 45° BEVEL ANGLES 45°

5. 6.
1
16

7. 8.
WELDED
FLUSH 60°
FIELD WELD
7. 8.

7
8 1

9.
9.
GROOVE ANGLE 15°

Part II
Sketch in the correct welding symbol for each groove weld shown in Part I. Sketch the symbol in the correct loca-
tion on the view.
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

Unit 16 Groove Welds 207 208 Welding Print Reading

Part IV Part V
Carefully study the drawing (B577891) below and 4. Joint and weld specifications can be found _____. Carefully study the drawing (L-725) below and 7. Interpret the type of weld(s) required to make the
answer the following questions. answer the following questions. weldment(s).
1. List the name and drawing number. 1. List the name and drawing number of the print.
5. What type of welding rod is to be used? _________
A. A.
B. B.
6. What special requirements must be observed after 8. What heat treatment is required after welding? ____
2. What parts are to be joined by welding? the weldments are made? 2. How many parts make up the assembly? ________
A. A.
B. 9. How is each weld to be inspected? _____________
B. 3. What are the names of the parts that make up the
3. Interpret the types of welds required to make the assembly? _________________________________
7. Have any changes been issued against the drawing? 10. How many holes are drilled in the base? _________
weldment (joint of two sections.) If there have been, list the number made. ________
A. 4. Is more than one size unit indicated on the print? 11. The diameter of these holes is _____. ___________

5. If more than one size unit is indicated, how many are 12. How many threaded holes are indicated in the holder?
B. there and how is each unit identified?
A. 13. The thread size is _____ and is tapped _____″ deep.
B. 14. Describe how the large hole in the holder is to be made.
6. List the stock size required to make each part of the
assembly.
Holder (1) 15. Is a tolerance indicated for the final diameter? _____
Holder (2) If so, what is it? _____
Base plate 16. What is the size of the key on the base? _________
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

Unit 16 Groove Welds 209 210 Welding Print Reading

Part VI Part VII 10. Explain the welding symbol at M. ______________

Explain each of the following welding symbols. Draw the correct weld(s) as indicated by the welding
symbol.

Part IX
Use print 1104-wrp to determine the following
dimensions indicated on the print.
G
1. 1. A _______________________________________
1. 4. 2. B _______________________________________
3. C _______________________________________
4. D _______________________________________
5. E _______________________________________
6. F _______________________________________
7. G _______________________________________
Part VIII
8. H _______________________________________
Use print 1104-wrp to answer the following
60˚ .12 questions. 9. I _______________________________________
30˚
1. List the overall length of the support bracket. _____ 10. J _______________________________________
2.
5.
2. Determine the total number of holes required for the
part. ______________________________________

3. Determine the overall maximum height of the part.

.38
4. List the center-to-center distance of the .50 diameter
holes._____________________________________

3. 5. List the typical plate thickness for the support bracket.

6. Determine the maximum angle for the 27° angle of

the gusset. _________________________________

7. What surface requires finishing? _______________

8. Explain the welding symbol at K. ______________

9. Explain the welding symbol at L. ______________

This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

Unit 16 Groove Welds 211 212 Welding Print Reading

Pipe welding also extends to the auto industry. Shown are stainless steel exhaust manifolds fabricated mainly by welding.
Each unit is carefully inspected because of danger of exhaust gas leakage to the vehicle’s driver and passengers.
(American Iron and Steel Institute)