Weld Reinforcement
The weld reinforcement is the part of the weld metal that protrudes above the component surface and contributes to force transmission. Excessive heights can lead to notch effects.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
Weld reinforcement arises from the difference in stress between the weld metal and the base material. During cooling, the weld metal tries to retain its shape, leading to reinforcement.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
Excessive weld reinforcement can lead to increased stress concentration and thus notching effects under dynamic loading. This can cause cracks or deformation of the components.
Workshop Practice & Instructions
To control weld reinforcement, the weld metal should be chosen so that it has low stress absorption. A maximum reinforcement of 0.5 mm is generally acceptable. For highly stressed components, the height should be kept even lower.