Weld Thickness Transition
Weld thickness transition is a continuous taper of the weld from thick to thin or vice versa, to avoid cross-section jumps and to even out the force flow.
Physico-chemical mechanism of action
Thickness transition is achieved by a continuous change in weld thickness along the entire joint. This avoids sudden cross-section jumps and promotes an even distribution of force flow.
Metallurgical relevance & welding risks
A missing thickness transition can cause severe cross-section jumps that deform the material under stress and lead to cracks or distortion. This increases the risk of hot cracking and reduces weld toughness.
Workshop practice & action instructions
To ensure a thickness transition, the taper should be continuous. This can be achieved by carefully selecting the welding process and parameters. With TIG welding, a seamless transition is possible, while with MAG welding, an additional taper bar is often used. The maximum thickness of the transition should not exceed 10 % of the thickest plate.