Common Welding Joint Types

Various Joint Types for a Variety of Laser Welding Applications

1) V Preparation Joint

This type of joint has the two metals tapering to a single center point to form the joint. This type of joint can also vary slightly to make a "U" joint, where the edges of the metals curve to meet each other to form the U joint.1

2) Butt Joint

A welding joint between two metals that are laying in approximately the same plane.1 This type of joint is typically used for materials that are no thicker then 3/16 inch and is not recommended for metals that will be subjected to fatigue or high impact loads.2

3) Lap Joint

This welding joint type has two metals that overlap each other to form the joint. This type of joint is most commonly used in laser welding as well as electron beam welding and resistance spot welding.1 This weld joint can typically be used for metals up to a 1/2 inch in thickness and that don't require heavy loads.2

4) T-Joint

A welding joint that forms a "T" between the two metals to form the joint.1 This weld joint requires the use of a fillet weld on one or both sides of the metal.

Your Welding Application

Please note, the joint types listed above are the most commonly used joints. However, your particular project/part may require a different type of weld joint. For specific guidance and/or assessment of your part please feel free to contact Litron.

1 Information sourced from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welding

2 Information sourced from http://www.sweethaven.com/sweethaven/BldgConst/Welding/lessonmain.asp?lesNum=3&modNum=3