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Shrinkage allowance

Shrinkage allowance is the constructive allowance of oversize values on components to compensate for expected thermal distortion after welding. It prevents stresses and cracks.

Physico-Chemical Mechanism of Action

During welding, the weld heats the steel, which then cools and contracts. This causes thermal distortion that shrinks the part.

Metallurgical Relevance & Risks in Welding

An insufficient shrinkage allowance can lead to stresses in the steel that may cause cracks or fracture of the part. Too large an allowance unnecessarily enlarges the part after cooling.

Workshop Practice & Instructions

Determine the shrinkage allowance based on steel type and weld length. For common steels, the typical allowance is about 1-2 mm per meter of length. Ensure parts are measured and positioned accurately to avoid stresses.

MetallurgieSchweißtechnik

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