Plug weld specifications

[mjbharvey]

I am in search of information on the specifications of plug welding vs slot welding. We have been assembling our products using a 3/8" round plug weld. We were given a proposal to change these welds to a 1/4" by 5/8" rectangle. I would like to find out all I can about the pros and cons of each.

 

[smcadman]

This is a an interesting question. We have always used round holes for plug welding and haven't used slots for this purpose before. You didn't mention the thickness of the plate you are using, you would need a bigger size hole for 1/4" plate than you would for 1/8" plate. Anyway it seems that a slot would be easier and quicker to weld because you have a little more room to work with, and I also wonder if the slightly added surface area would create more heat > warpage > more clean-up time.

Flores

 

[deanc]

See ASME SecVIII UW-19

 

[spt]

Also: AISC, Part 8, Welded Construction, Plug and Slot Welds

 

[rmp319]

ASW D1.1:2000 Section 2.5

2.5.1 Effective Area
2.5.2 Minimum Spacing (Plug Weld)
2.5.3 Minimum Spacking (Slot Welds)
2.5.4 Slot Ends (...semicircular)
2.5.5 Prequalified Dimensions
2.5.6 Prohibition in Q&T Steel
2.5.7 Limitations