"Burn Through" Definition
"Burn Through" Definition
(OP)
Hello Everyone,
Does ASTM, AWS, or ASME have an official definition of "Burn Through"? I could not find anything in ASME, however I am new to the code in its entirety. I do not have access to the ASTM or AWS specs.
Thank you in advance.
Does ASTM, AWS, or ASME have an official definition of "Burn Through"? I could not find anything in ASME, however I am new to the code in its entirety. I do not have access to the ASTM or AWS specs.
Thank you in advance.





RE: "Burn Through" Definition
RE: "Burn Through" Definition
It isn't the same as melt through, which is weld metal protruding past the root when depositing a weld from one side of the joint. Melt through is often associated with single sided groove welds.
The difference between melt through and burn through is melt through is not necessarily a bad thing. It simply means complete joint penetration has been achieved. Burn through on the other hand results in hole through the joint that usually has to be repaired to keep the joint fluid tight.
ASME B31.3 limits melt through, but refers to the condition as internal protrusion.
Best regards - Al
RE: "Burn Through" Definition
Thanks again.
RE: "Burn Through" Definition
Burn-through has been considered to be a nonstandard term for excessive melt-through since 1994 and possibly before that.
The term "excessive melt-through" does not convey the difference between excessive metal on the root surface side of the weld (internal protrusion) and a physical hole through the base metal in the root of the joint (burn-through). In my mind and to many welders that have to contend with the problem, there is a big difference when they have to fix the two different defects.
Excessive melt-through will not result in fluid squirting out of the vessel or pipe. Burn-through, if left as is will result in fluid escaping from the vessel or the piping. The latter could be a serious problem in many cases.
"Hey, A2 Committee! What's sa matter with you?"
Best regards - Al
RE: "Burn Through" Definition