Welding is one technique used in sheet metal fabrication with weld symbols being used to enable designers to communicate with coded welders, etc, by placing welding information onto drawings.

 

Welding Standards

EN ISO 2553:2013 is the British standard for weld symbols which provides the rules for the symbolic representation of welded, brazed and soldered joints on drawings. It supersedes BS EN 22553:1995. BS EN ISO 22553:2019 superseded the 2013 version which has been withdrawn.

 

What is a Welding Symbol?

A basic welding symbol skeleton can include up to six elements:

  1. Tail
  2. Reference Line
  3. Arrow
  4. Dash Line
  5. Leader Line
  6. Weld Symbol

Welding Symbol

The image above is a Welding Symbol (not to be confused with a weld symbol). The Tail is not always used as it is a place for extra information on the weld which may include a reference to the welding process, a detail drawing, the electrode or any additional information which aids with the weld but does not have its own place on the welding symbol. For example, with a Stitch Weld where numbers are present on the Tail, these will indicate the size of both the weld itself and the gap between the welds.

The Reference Line is always drawn horizontally and provides information on where all the other welding symbols are tied. Coming off of this is the Leader Line which connects the Arrow’s head to the reference line.

 

What Are Basic Weld Symbols?

If the weld symbol is placed above the solid reference line, then the symbol will be applicable to the opposite side of the joint:

Information relating to the arrow side of the weld joint will be found below the solid reference line typically where the Dash Line is located:

Weld symbol above the reference line, with the weld being applicable to opposite side of the joint.
Weld opposite side of the joint as the weld symbol is above the reference line
Weld symbol below the reference line, with the weld being applicable to the arrow side of the joint.
Weld arrow side of the joint as the weld symbol is below the reference line

A Dash Line is used in ISO systems and not in others such as AWS systems, for example. The Dash Line may be found either above or below the reference point, but this does not change anything regarding placements as a weld symbol placed below the solid reference line remains applicable to the arrow side of the joint and vice versa. If, however, the weld symbols are symmetrical the dash line is omitted, and the weld will be performed on both sides of the joint:

Symmetrical weld symbols meaning both sides of the joint are to be welded.
Symmetrical weld symbols indicating both sides of the joint are to be welded

Symbols Used in Welding

Elementary Weld Symbols

Below we have elementary weld symbols and their associated symbol which would be used on the drawing.

Square Groove Weld
Square Groove Weld
Single Bevel Groove weld with Broad Root Face
Single Bevel Groove weld with Broad Root Face
Single V Groove Weld
Single V Groove Weld
Single Bevel Groove Weld
Single Bevel Groove Weld
Single U Groove Weld
Single U Groove Weld
Single V Groove weld with Broad Root Face
Single V Groove weld with Broad Root Face
Backing Weld
Backing Weld
Single J Groove Weld
Single J Groove Weld
Surfacing
Surfacing
Slot/Plug weld
Slot/Plug Weld
Spot Weld
Spot Weld
Seam Weld
Fillet Weld
Edge Weld
Edge weld

Supplementary Weld Symbols

Supplementary weld symbols are used in addition to Elementary Weld Symbols, not on their own.

Supplementary Weld Symbols

Complementary Indication

Complementary Weld Symbols

 

Thank you for diving into the world of welding symbols and standards! If you’re looking to put this knowledge into practice or require expert assistance with your sheet metal fabrication and welding projects, we’re here to help.

At ADS Laser Cutting, we specialise in precision sheet metal fabrication and welding. Our expert team can decipher and apply welding symbols accurately to bring your designs to life with precision and quality.

Discover our comprehensive sheet metal fabrication and welding services on our sheet metal fabrication page.

Have questions or a project in mind? Don’t hesitate to Contact Us. We’re dedicated to turning your ideas into reality with top-quality welding craftsmanship.

Unleash the power of precise welding for your projects – reach out to us today!