WSS Welding Symbols Study Guide LF

2E1
Objectives
After completing this
learning unit you should be
able to:
Describe the key
elements of a welding
symbol
Explain the concept of
the arrow side and other
side of a joint
Describe the symbols
used for fillet welds,
groove welds, arc spot
welds, plug welds, slot
welds and stud welds
Identify the elements
of the welding symbols
referenced in ISO 2553-1.
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Acorn Course Student ID
Use of this material

UPDATE 1
Copyright 2015 CWB Group Industry Services
This material is for the sole use of the student indicated. It is not
to be duplicated or shared in any form. Failure to abide by the
copyright rules will result in termination of future access to Acorn
material and programs.
WSS Study Guide JS2-1

Welding Symbols
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Table of Contents
Intermediate Welding Symbols
Introduction
Lesson 1
Objectives
1.

Page 2
Fundamental Concepts
1.1 Weld Symbols
1.2 Supplementary Symbols
1.3 Welding Symbols
5
6
10
11
2. Types of Joints and Welds

2.1 Types of Joints
2.2 Types of Welds

2.2.1 Groove Weld

2.2.2 Fillet Weld

2.2.3 Plug and Slot Welds

2.2.4 Surfacing Weld
14
14
16
16
20
20
21
3. Arrow Side/Other side
22
4. Fillet Welds
4.1 Equal Leg Size
4.2 Unequal Leg Size
4.3 Intermittent Fillet Welds

4.3.1 Basic Intermittent Fillet Welds

4.3.2 Chain Intermittent Fillet Welds

4.3.3 Staggered Intermittent Fillet Welds
24
25
25
27
28
28
29
5. Exercises

30

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Table of Contents
Intermediate Welding Symbols
Lesson 2
Page 3
Objectives
35
6.

35
37
38
42
44
45
46
Groove Welds
6.1 Back-Gouging
6.2 Partial Joint Penetration Groove Welds
6.3 Combined Welding Symbols
6.4 Bevelled Joints
6.5 Multiple Reference Lines
6.6 Flare Groove Welds
7. Exercises
47
8. Other Welds
8.1 Plug Welds
8.2 Slot Welds
8.3 Arc Spot Welds
8.4 Stud Welds
8.5 Surfacing
8.6 Brazed Joints
52
52
55
61
62
64
65
9. Nondestructive Examination

10. Introduction to ISO 2553-1
66
67
Exercise Answers
76
Exam Exercise
81

Welding Symbols
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Introduction
This publication has been prepared primarily to assist personnel qualify
as welding supervisors under the provisions of CSA Standard W47.1,
Certification of Companies for Fusion Welding of Steel.
Other personnel, such as welding inspectors, engineers and those
responsible for quality, will find this publication beneficial.
It contains background information on welding symbols referenced in
Canadian and International Standards. This document is not intended
to replace study courses, reference books or other pertinent technical
literature which supervisors are encouraged to read.
The following reference sources should be available for this learning unit:
CWBi - Welding Symbols Study Guide
CWBi - Welding Symbols Poster and Quick Reference Card
AWS A2.4 Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing and
Nondestructive Examination
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Welding Symbols
Lesson 1
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Objectives
After completing this lesson you should be able to:
Identify the different types of joints and welds

Describe the key elements of a welding symbol
Explain the concept of the arrow side and other side of a joint
Describe the symbols used for continuous and intermittent fillet welds
1. Fundamental Concepts
Welding symbols are a universal system of signs, rules and conventions
for conveying and placing information on drawings. They are intended to
facilitate communication between the designer, fabrication and inspection
personnel and provide the means for graphical representation of welds,
brazes and nondestructive methods on drawings.
The symbols do not eliminate the need for appropriate interaction
between the design, drafting and production personnel and any issues
should be resolved before production starts. To avoid costly redesign and/
or repairs, symbols must be understood and used. It is important that all
relevant personnel in the manufacturing chain be trained and familiarized
with the concepts and application of welding symbols.
FIG. 1
Typical welding symbol
In welding symbols terminology there are three standard terms that need
to be clearly understood. They are:
weld symbols
supplementary symbols
welding symbols
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1.1 Weld Symbols

Weld symbols designate and graphically identify each type of weld. The
shape of the weld symbol is drawn to reflect the configuration of the
fusion faces, as seen in vertical cross section of the joint. This is illustrated
for fillet, plug and groove welds in Figure 2.
FIG. 2
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Weld symbols for fillet, plug, V-groove and back or backing welds

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The weld symbols and corresponding welds for bevel groove, square
groove, U-groove and J-groove welds are shown in Figure 3.
FIG. 3
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Weld symbols for bevel, square, U- and J-groove welds

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The weld symbols and corresponding welds for groove, surfacing and arc
spot welds are shown in Figure 4.
FIG. 4
Weld symbols for flare groove and surfacing welds
In the placing of weld symbols on the reference line there is one important
convention that must be observed for weld symbols that have one vertical
line in their make-up. The rule requires that the vertical line must always
be on the left side in the weld symbol. The weld symbols shown in Figure
5 are incorrect because the vertical line is to the right of weld symbol.
FIG. 5
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Incorrect Welding symbols

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The types of welds covered by the Standard AWS A2.4, Standard

Symbols for Welding, Brazing and Nondestructive Examination, and the
corresponding basic weld symbols are shown in Figure 6.
FIG. 6
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Basic Weld symbols

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1.2 Supplementary Symbols

Supplementary symbols are always used in conjunction with a welding
symbol, and provide additional information to complete the weld.
Examples are shown in Figures 7 and 8.
FIG. 7
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Supplementary symbols for weld all around, fillet weld and melt-through

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FIG. 8
Supplementary symbols for a backing bar and for flat, convex and concave weld
contours.
1.3 Welding Symbols

Welding symbols provide information with respect to the geometry of
preparation, fit-up and welding of joints. There are three key elements;
the arrow, the reference line and the tail (see Figure 9). However, only
the reference line and the arrow are required elements, as the welding
information may be conveyed by other means such as drawing notes or
details, specifications, standards, codes or other drawings. These other
means eliminate the need to include the corresponding elements in the
welding symbol.
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FIG. 9
Key elements of a welding symbol
The tail of the symbol is typically used for specifying the applicable:
welding, brazing and cutting process.

specification.
procedure.
supplementary information.
The process data may include filler metal, back-gouging, peening or other
operations, and other pertinent data that should be known.
The notation placed in the tail dealing with this data is normally
established by the user.
All the basic elements of a typical welding symbol, including reference
to supplementary symbols and their specific, designated locations, are
shown in Figure 10. The reference to a designated location does not imply
mandatory use in every welding symbol.
The arrow of the welding symbol must point to a line, location, or area
that specifically identifies the joint, location, or area to be welded.
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FIG. 10
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Standard location of the elements of a welding symbol

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2. Types of Joints and Welds

2.1 Types of Joints
In order to know how to apply and read welding symbols, it is necessary to
understand the meaning of joints, their types, and the types of applicable
welds.
AWS A3.0, Welding Terms and Definitions, describe a joint as the junction
of members or the edges of members that are to be or have been joined.
The reference to junction of members describes the area of common
contact between the two members as shown in Figure 11.
FIG. 11
Joint
The assembly on the right of Figure 11 consists of three plates. How many
joints are there?
Select your answer from the following, and then read below for the
correct answer:
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One joint only

Two joints
Three joints
Four joints

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Answers and comments on the answers

One Joint only - No. You are thinking of one assembly that after welding
will form one weldment. A weldment is an assembly whose component
parts are joined by welding.
Two Joints - This answer is correct. The three plates form two joints. The
actual joint is the faying area in contact with the centre plate.
Three Joints - No. You are considering three plates, which form part of the
assembly.
Four Joints - No. Perhaps you are considering each side of the joint. For
example, there are four sides where fillet welds could be made. However,
these are only two areas of faying surfaces.
There are five basic joints, although many variations of these result from
the manner of preparation and assembly. These five joints shown in Figure
12, are termed butt joint, corner joint, tee joint, lap joint and edge joint.
FIG. 12
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The five basic joints

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2.2 Types of Welds

The 3 basic types of welds are:
Groove weld
Fillet weld
Plug and slot welds
2.2.1 Groove Weld

A groove weld is defined as a weld made in the groove between two
members to be joined. There are many different shapes of grooves.
Figure 13 shows one type of groove weld.
FIG. 13
A groove weld
Groove welds can be classified as shown in Figure 14:

In terms of efficiency:
complete joint penetration groove welds (CJP)
partial joint penetration groove welds (PJP)
In terms of shape:
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Square
Bevel
V
J
U
Flare bevel
Flare V and
Flare bevel fillet

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FIG. 14
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Classification of groove welds

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Groove welds may be single or double sided as shown in Figures 15A and
15B.
FIG. 15A Single sided groove welds
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FIG. 15B Double sided groove welds
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2.2.2 Fillet Weld

A fillet weld is a weld of approximately triangular cross-section joining two
surfaces approximately at right angles to each other in a lap joint, tee joint
or corner joint as shown in Figure 16.
FIG. 16
Fillet welds
2.2.3 Plug and Slot Welds

A plug weld is a weld made in a circular hole in one member of a joint
fusing that member to another member. A slot weld is similar to a plug
weld except that the hole is elongated (see Figure 17).
In preparation for plug and slot welds, holes or slots are made in the
upper plate. On thinner material such welds can be made without holes or
slots and are called arc spot and arc seam welds, in which the upper sheet
is melted and fused to the lower sheet.
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FIG. 17
Plug weld and slot welds
2.2.4 Surfacing Weld

All welds are composed of one or more weld beads, a bead being a single
run or pass of weld metal. A weld bead or beads may be applied to a
surface, as opposed to making a joint, to obtain the desired properties or
dimensions. Such a weld is called a surfacing weld, as shown in Figure
18.
FIG. 18
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Surfacing welds

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3. Arrow Side/Other Side

In working with symbols, the first step is to locate the joint i.e. the area of
common contact between the members to be welded and identified by
the arrow.
The second step is to look for the information connected to the reference
line.
The arrow side of the joint is the side to which the arrow points. The
opposite side is the other side of the joint.
Figure 19 illustrates the arrow side and the other side of a fillet weld.
FIG. 19
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Illustration of the arrow side and the other side of a fillet weld

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The other side of a joint is determined by following the joint line from the
arrow side to the other side as shown in Figure 20.
FIG. 20
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Arrow side/other side of joints

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Because of the importance of understanding the arrow and other sides of

a joint, an example using a cruciform joint is shown in Figure 21.
FIG. 21
Cruciform joint
4. Fillet Welds
The fillet weld size S must be shown for each weld symbol on the same
side of the reference line as the weld symbol.
The size must appear to the left of each weld symbol. When the fillet
welds are on both sides of the joint, their sizes must be specified whether
the dimensions are identical or different.
FIG. 22
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Fillet weld size

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4.1 Equal Leg Size

When the weld size is indicated on the weld symbol, both legs are that
size.
FIG. 23
Equal Leg Fillet Welds
4.2 Unequal leg size

Designers may require the leg sizes to be different and this must be
identified on the welding symbol. The size of a fillet weld S with unequal
legs is also specified to the left of the weld symbol.
To avoid guessing which size is applicable to each leg and for clarity
purposes, weld orientation is shown on the drawing.
FIG. 24
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Unequal leg fillet welds

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Three applications of fillet weld symbols are shown in Figure 25.
FIG. 25
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Application of fillet weld symbols

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4.3 Intermittent Fillet Welds

Intermittent fillet welds can be divided into three types, with the last two
being applicable to double fillet welds:
1. basic intermittent fillet welds, applicable to a single line of fillet welds;
2. chain intermittent fillet welds,
3. staggered intermittent fillet welds
If a fillet weld extends for the full length of the joint, there is no need to
specify length on the welding symbol. The lengths and position of the fillet
welds are placed next to the fillet weld symbol the size to the left and
length or pitch to the right.
The pitch of intermittent fillet welds is defined as the distance between
the centres of adjacent weld segments on one side of the joint and is
specified to the right of the length dimension on the symbol
If the arrow side and the other side of the joint are to be welded using
intermittent fillet welds, a pitch must be designated for each side or, in
other words, for each line of weld.
The symbols and dimensions for intermittent fillet welds are shown in
Figure 26.
FIG. 26
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Intermittent fillet weld symbols

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4.3.1 Basic Intermittent Fillet Welds

The basic intermittent fillet weld has one line of welds.
4.3.2 Chain Intermittent Fillet Welds

The distinguishing characteristic of chain intermittent fillet welds is the
alignment of weld segments, which must be opposite one another across
the joint as shown in Figure 27.
FIG. 27
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Chain Intermittent fillet welds

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4.3.3 Staggered Intermittent Fillet

Welds
Staggered intermittent fillet welds also involves double-fillet welds in two
lines; however, the centres of weld segments on each side of the joint are
offset in relation to one another.
This is reflected in the fillet weld symbols, which are offset on opposite
sides of the reference line. The dimensions of staggered intermittent fillet
welds are specified on both sides of the reference line.
There is no significance attached to the onset of staggering, as to whether
it should commence on the arrow side or on the other side of the joint.
Figure 28 shows a typical joint to illustrate this concept.
FIG. 28
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Staggered intermittent fillet welds

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5. Exercises
Complete the following exercises. The answers are provided at the end of
the learning unit.
Exercise 1
Draw the appropriate symbol for the weld shown.
Exercise 2
Draw the appropriate symbol for the welds shown.
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Exercise 3
Draw the appropriate symbols for the welds shown.
Exercise 4
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Exercise 5
Select the welding symbol that corresponds to the fillet welds shown
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Exercise 6
Select the welding symbol that corresponds to the fillet welds shown.
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Exercise 7
Select the welding symbol that corresponds to the fillet welds shown.
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Welding Symbols
Lesson 2
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Objectives
After completing this lesson you should be able to:
Describe the symbols used for complete and partial joint penetration
groove welds
Explain the use of combined symbols and multiple reference lines
Describe the symbols used for arc spot welds, plug welds, slot welds
and stud welds
Identify the welding symbols referenced in ISO 2553-1
6. Groove Welds
The elements that define groove welds are:
The depth of preparation, also described as the depth of chamfer, on
each side of the joint (arrow side and other side) and designated by
the capital letter S.
The bevel or groove angle, the angle at which member preparation is
made.
The root opening, the space required for proper fitting of the two
members in the joint, with the primary objective to provide adequate
access for welding and proper fusion in the root area.
In the example shown in Figure 29, the depth of preparation is 9 mm,
the groove angle is 60 degrees and the root opening is 3 mm. Note the
location of dimensions in relation to the symbol.
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FIG. 29
Groove welding symbol
The completed weld for the welding symbol is shown in Figure 30.
FIG. 30
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Completed groove weld

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6.1 Back-Gouging
When back-gouging is required, the welding symbol must include a
reference to back-gouging in the tail as shown in Figure 31. For nonsymmetrical double groove welds, the symbol needs to show the required
groove depth for each side of the joint and include the required groove
angles. For both single groove welds and symmetrical double groove
welds without root faces, the welding symbol does not need to show the
depth of groove dimensions. Reference to notes can be included in the tail
of the welding symbol.
FIG. 31
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Backgouging

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6.2 Partial Joint Penetration Groove

Welds
When used, the depth of preparation S and groove weld size (E) are
placed to the left of the weld symbol as shown in Figure 32.
The groove weld size (E) may have different terms associated with it. It
used to be called the throat of a groove weld. CSA Standard W59, refers to
it as effective throat or joint penetration. The AWS A3.0 defines it as
joint penetration.
In a practical sense, achievement of the size of (E) depends largely on the
root geometry of the joint, the welding process, and the parameters of the
welding procedure.
FIG. 32
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Symbols for groove weld depth of preparation and penetration

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The application of the depth of groove and groove weld size is illustrated
in Figures 33 and 34.
The size (E) is measured from the top of the plate to the furthest point
where the weld penetrates the joint. The value of (E) may be less than S
(see Figure 33); however, it may also be greater than S (see Figure 34).
FIG. 33
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Application of depth of preparation and groove weld size (E) smaller than S

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FIG. 34
Application of depth of preparation and groove weld size (E) greater than S
In the most common welding symbol use, both the depth of preparation
and the groove weld size will be found. These symbols will apply equally
to single- and double-groove welds; however, they are typically more
prevalent in cases of partial penetration than complete penetration
grooves. Examples of double-sided welds and the corresponding welding
symbols are shown in Figure 35.
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FIG. 35
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Double groove welds in joints with partial joint penetration

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The joints may have partial penetration or complete penetration,

depending on thickness and penetration characteristics of the welding
process used.
Another area of potential application of this type of symbol on shop
drawings is for grooves welded mainly from one side and requiring only
a one-pass weld from the other side. This latter weld may be a squaregroove weld, if the fusion faces in the root are the remaining parts of the
original square-cut preparation.
FIG. 36
Square-groove welds - only groove weld specified
6.3 Combined Welding Symbols

Depending on their complexity, joints may require one or more than one
type of weld symbol. For joints requiring more than one type of weld, a
symbol must be used to specify each weld. This rule is illustrated by the
welding symbols in Figure 37.
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FIG. 37
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Combined welding symbols

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6.4 Bevelled Joints

Would you accept the joint preparations shown in Figure 38, based on the
welding symbol shown?
(a)
(b)
FIG. 38
Bevelled Joints
Figure 38 (a) No, the arrow of the welding symbol should point to the
edge that is to be prepared. The other plate should have been bevelled.
Figure 38 (b) Yes, in this case it is apparent that only one of the two
plates can be bevelled (the vertical plate) and the arrow does not have to
point to the edge that is to be bevelled.
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6.5 Multiple Reference Lines

The objective of multiple reference lines is to provide the welding symbol
with the capability to specify the sequence of welding operations, as well
as to provide additional information related to the examination of welds
or other operations.
The rule that applies to sequencing states that the first operation is
to shown on the reference line closest to the arrow. All subsequent
operations follow the same sequencing order as the reference lines
move away from the arrow. In the example shown in Figure 39, the first
operation is the welding of the single-bevel groove weld on the arrow
side, then the fillet weld on the other side and lastly the fillet weld
reinforcement on the arrow side.
FIG. 39
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Multiple reference lines

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6.6 Flare Groove Welds

With the increasing use of hollow structural sections and circular or
tubular profiles in welded fabrication, the application of flare bevel groove
welds seem to follow this trend. There are two basic types of flaregrooves: flare-bevel and flare-V-groove welds. The weld symbols for these
grooves also reflect the shape of the joint which contains them (see Figure
40). There is no preparation involved for these grooves, as their curved
configuration forms a joint in a natural way.
FIG. 40
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Flare-V and flare-bevel welds

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7. Exercises
Exercise 8
Exercise 9
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Exercise 10
Exercise 11
Draw the weld indicated by the welding symbol shown.
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Exercise 12
Draw the weld indicated by the welding symbol shown.
Exercise 13
Select the symbol that corresponds to the illustration shown.
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Exercise 14
Select the welding symbol that corresponds to the illustration shown
Exercise 15
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Exercise 16
Select the symbol that corresponds to the welds shown.
Exercise 17
Draw the appropriate symbol for the welds shown.
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8. Other Welds
8.1 Plug Welds
Plug welds are other types of welds produced by an electric arc welding
process. Although not used as extensively as groove and fillet welds, they
have found their own area of application in welded construction.
A plug weld can be defined as a weld made in a circular hole in one
member of a joint fusing that member to another member. Slot welds are
made in an elongated hole and the hole may be open at one end. Filletwelded holes do not conform to these definitions.
Plug and slot welds share the same shape of weld symbol, which is
represented by a rectangle, irrespective of whether the fusion faces inside
the hole or slot are perpendicular or sloping.
Arrow-side holes to be plug welded are specified by placing the plug weld
symbol below the reference line and other-side holes are specified by
placing the plug weld symbol above the reference line.
Dimensions that must be identified are the:
diameter at the root
pitch
angle of countersink and
depth of fill
The location of the elements of a plug weld welding symbol are shown in
Figure 41.
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FIG. 41
Location of the elements of a plug weld symbol
The plug welding symbol and dimensions and the finished plug weld are
shown in Figure 42.
FIG. 42
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Dimensioned plug weld and the finished weld

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Figures 43 shows the application of a plug weld symbol when combined

with dimension lines and specified dimensions for diameter, depth of
filling and the centre-to-centre spacing or pitch. In this example, the plug
weld size is 40 mm diameter, the depth of fill is 16 mm and the pitch is 160
mm.
FIG. 43
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Plug weld example

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8.2 Slot Welds

Slot Weld Example #1
What is the required depth of fill for this slot weld?
FIG. 44
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Slot weld depth of fill

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The depth of fill for the slot weld is 1/2 as shown.
FIG. 45
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Slot weld depth of fill answer

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What is the pitch of these slot welds?
FIG. 46
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Slot weld pitch

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The pitch is 8 and there are 5 spaces between the 3 4 distance.
FIG. 47
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Slot weld pitch answer

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What is the length of this slot weld?
FIG. 48
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Slot weld length

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The length of the slot weld is 4
FIG. 49
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Slot weld length answer

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8.3 Arc Spot Welds

A spot weld is defined by AWS A3.0 Standard Welding Terms and
Definitions as a weld made between or upon overlapping members
in which coalescence may start and occur on the faying surfaces or may
proceed from the outer surface of one member. The weld cross section
(plan view) is approximately circular
This type of weld does not require a prepared hole or slot and can be
made by several welding processes.
The welding information shown in an arc spot welding symbol includes:
weld symbol
size
pitch and
number of spots
The location of the elements of a spot welding symbol and the completed
weld are shown in Figures 50 and 51.
When arc spot welds are required in specific locations, they must be
identified on the drawing.
FIG. 50
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Location of the elements of an arc spot welding symbol

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FIG. 51
Completed arc spot weld
8.4 Stud Welds
FIG. 52
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Location of the elements of a stud welding symbol

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Stud welding can be defined as Joining a metal stud or similar part to a

workpiece. Welding may be accomplished by arc, resistance, friction or
other process with or without external gas shielding. Arc stud welding is
the more widely used process.
The stud symbol is always placed below the reference line and the arrow
of the welding symbol points to the surface to which the stud is to be
welded.
The only dimensions discussed in the stud welding symbol are the size,
spacing and the number of studs, all placed on the same side of the
reference line as the stud weld symbol.
The required diameter (size) of the stud is specified to the left of the weld
symbol.
The pitch (centre-to-centre) distance or spacing of stud welds in a straight
line is specified to the right of the weld symbol. The spacing of welds in
any configuration other than a straight line must be dimensioned on the
drawing.
The number of required stud welds is placed in parentheses below the
stud weld symbol.
An example of the desired weld and the corresponding stud welding
symbol is shown in Figure 53. The stud weld size or diameter is 12 mm,
the pitch is 80 mm and seven studs are required.
FIG. 53
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Stud welding example

Welding Symbols
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8.5 Surfacing
As its name implies, a surfacing weld is applied to a surface. A building up
of surfaces may be required for a various reasons, and the most common
are:
correction of dimensions
providing transition between different metals and
providing corrosion- or wear-resistance
The characteristics of a surfacing weld are shown in Figure 54.
The area on which the surfacing weld is to be deposited is simply
identified by the arrow pointing to it with the surfacing symbol always
placed below the reference line. The required thickness is specified to the
left of the weld symbol.
FIG. 54
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Surfacing weld symbol

Welding Symbols
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8.6 Brazed Joints

Brazing can be defined as a process for joining solid metals in close
proximity by heating them to the brazing temperature in the presence of
the filler metal.
A brazing operation that involves no preparation except cleaning, requires
only the reference line, the arrow and the identification of the brazing
process in the tail of the welding symbol as shown in Figure 55.
FIG. 55
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Braze welding symbol

Welding Symbols
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9. Nondestructive Examination
The examination methods and their corresponding letter designation used
on symbols are shown in Table 1.
TABLE 1
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Examination method letter designations

Welding Symbols
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10. Introduction to ISO 2553-1

The intent of this introduction to ISO 2553-1 is to present a basic outline
of the ISO welding symbols, their features and applications.
ISO 2553, Welding and allied processes Symbolic representation on
drawings Part 1: Welding, identifies two systems; system A and system
B. The two systems should not be mixed.
Both systems have the same intent and that is to enable communication
between the designer and others in the production chain (drafting,
welding engineering, supervising, hands-on welding, examination
and inspection personnel). However, the pathways to achieving that
communication goal differ in some concepts and details.
In system A, the reference line consists of two parallel lines: a continuous
straight line and a dashed, identified line as shown in Figure 56 (a). The
dashed line may be drawn above or below but parallel to the continuous
line. The dashed line represents the other side of the joint to where the
arrowhead is pointing.
In system B as shown in Figure 56 (b), the reference line is a continuous
straight line.
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Welding Symbols
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FIG. 56
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Examples of ISO 2553-1 welding symbols

Welding Symbols
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Both welding symbols shown designate the same weld:
5 mm throat thickness fillet welds with concave profile

welded on the arrow side of the joint
4 welds 100 mm in length
spacing between welds = 200 mm
welded all-around
field welds
welded using process 111 in accordance with ISO 4063
Examples of how to designate welds on the arrow side and other side of
joints for systems A and B are shown in Figures 57 to 60.
Page 69
FIG. 57
Arrow side and other side of fillet welds
FIG. 58
Arrow side and other side of butt welds

Welding Symbols
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FIG. 59
Arrow side and other side of plug welds
FIG. 60
Arrow side and other side of slot welds

Welding Symbols
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For butt welds, when only the edge of one joint member is to be prepared,
the arrow shall have a break and point toward that member as shown in
Figure 61. The arrow need not be broken if it is obvious which member is
to be prepared. The arrow shall not be broken if there is no preference as
to which member is to be prepared.
FIG. 61
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Examples of the use of broken arrow lines

Welding Symbols
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Asymmetrical Welds
The elementary symbols shall be arranged symmetrically on the reference
line when used to represent symmetrical welds. Examples of the use of
welding symbols to designate asymmetrical welds are shown in Figure 62.
Dimensions shall be specified on the same side of the reference line as
the associated weld symbol. In general, letters are not to be included with
dimensions on drawings unless otherwise stated, e.g. fillet welds and the
symbols a (throat thickness), z (leg length) and s (deep penetration welds).
FIG. 62
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Examples of welding symbols for asymmetrical welds

Welding Symbols
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Fillet Weld Dimensioning

The symbol a, throat thickness, or z, leg length, shall be placed in front of
the dimension to the left of the weld symbol.
The throat thickness, a, is measured as the height of the largest isosceles
triangle that can be inscribed in the section of the finalized weld measured
from the joint root.
For fillet welds with unequal leg lengths the symbols Z1 and Z2 are used
where:

Z1 = leg length measured on the contiguous member of the joint

Z2 = leg length measured on the non-contiguous (cross) member of

the joint
For fillet welds made on both sides of a joint, the dimensions of both
welds shall be specified even if they are identical.
FIG. 63
Page 73
Fillet weld dimensions

Welding Symbols
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For intermittent welds, the dimension of the spacing between the welds,
(e), shall be placed in parentheses after the length dimension.
The number of intermittent welds required, n, shall be placed in front of
the length dimension. If no number is specified, intermittent welds shall
be made along the whole length of the joint.
Chain intermittent welds made on both sides of the joint shall include
information concerning the length, spacing and number of welds for both
sides of the joint.
Staggered intermittent welds made on both sides of the joint, shall be
designated using the Z symbol across the reference line. In the absence
of any information concerning the offset, the centres of the welds on
one side of the joint shall correspond with the centres of the gaps on the
opposite side of the joint. Otherwise, the offset shall be specified in the
tail or elsewhere.
FIG. 64
Page 74
Intermittent fillet welds

Welding Symbols
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Examples of how to dimension flare V butt welds are shown in Figure 65.
FIG. 65
Page 75
Flare V butt weld

Welding Symbols
Exercise
Answers
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Exercise 1
Exercise 2
Exercise 3
Page 76

Welding Symbols
Exercise
Answers
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Exercise 4
Exercise 5
(a)
Exercise 6
(d)
Exercise 7
(b)
Exercise 8
Page 77

Welding Symbols
Exercise
Answers
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Exercise 9
Exercise 10
Exercise 11
Page 78

Welding Symbols
Exercise
Answers
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Exercise 12
Exercise 13
(a)
Exercise 14
(d)
Page 79

Welding Symbols
Exercise
Exercise
Answers
Answers
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Exercise 15
Exercise 16
(d)
Exercise 17
Page 80

Welding Symbols
Exam
Exercise
Page 81
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The following are sample multiple choice questions. The answer key is on
page 87.
1.

Choose the correct welding symbol that precisely specifies the

weld shown.
2.
Choose the correct welding symbol for the welds shown.

Welding Symbols
Exam
Exercise
Page 82
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3.
Choose the correct welding symbol for the weld shown.
4.

Welding Symbols
Exam
Exercise
Page 83
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5.
6.

Welding Symbols
Exam
Exercise
Page 84
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7.
8.

Welding Symbols
Exam
Exercise
Page 85
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9.
10.

Welding Symbols
Answer
Sheet
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Complete the answer sheet and compare the results with the answer key.
If you score less than 70%, we suggest you re-study the material.
Please circle only ONE letter corresponding to the answer you think is
most correct.
The answer sheet below is provided for your use in the event that you
wish to retest yourself.
Page 86

Welding Symbols
Answer Key
Page 87
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Next Steps
This course is part of a larger set of courses

that provide ongoing training opportunities
throughout your career. The diagram below
shows the next logical steps you should
take to continue with your training. Within
the Acorn system, you have been assigned
a Welder Passport Number that will follow
you for life; this is your key to future
opportunities within Acorn as well as the
welding industry.
Credentials
Every industry has different requirements for

the people it employs. Acorn Credentials are
a way for industry to quickly identify students
and experienced welders who meet their
specific requirements. Credentials are
automatically assigned based on your
Assessment scores and show up (and can be
printed) within Acorn Connect. Only those
who have gone through an Acorn
Assessment and actively use Acorn Connect
can be awarded Credentials.
A
PE
Details
Course length: 5 days

Assessment: CSA
Credential: None - CSA Qualification
Get Assessed
The Acorn Assessment is taken in two parts; an

online theory portion, followed by an in-shop
practical session. During the practical
assessment, you will be asked to construct a
sample project using your knowledge and skills
as well as materials and equipment
provided for you. The assessor will
evaluate your progress throughout the
practical assessment, scoring you on the
various skills needed to successfully complete
the project. Once completed, your scores will
be added to a national database within Acorn
Connect that will help you connect with future
employers.
Acorn CWB
Welding Supervisor
Acorn Advanced
Supervisor
Assessment
You are here
next
Acorn Advanced
Welding Supervisor
find out more at

CWBinstitute.org
AcornConnect
Acorn Preemployment Inspector

Assessment
Qualified Welding
Supervisor under
CSA W47.1
now
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A key part of most Acorn programs is the end

of course Acorn Assessments. These are
offered for most courses and provide a
uniform and independent 3rd party
assessment of your overall skills. Depending
on your school, the cost for the Assessment
may be part of your tuition fees, or you may
have to pay separately. Either way, the Acorn
Assessment is something you should consider
doing.
later
Acorn Preemployment Inspector
Supervisor Steel
Welding Inspector
W178.2 Level 1
Supervisor Aluminum
Welding Inspector
W178.2 Level 2
Welding Inspector
W178.2 Level 3
The future is yours for the taking. Welding is

an in-demand career and your training plays
a large part on the kind of work you will find
now, as well as the future. Acorn Connect,
when used with your Welder Number, is a
key part of this process as its the central
location for all things related to your
welding skills. Within Connect, employers
can find your Acorn marks, Assessments
and Credentials, as well as your resume,
welding tickets and current employment
status. As an Acorn student you have full
access to this information and can control
what gets seen, and by whom.
Acorn Course Student ID
UPDATE 1

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2E1

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Use of this material

WSS Study Guide JS2-1

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2. Types of Joints and Welds

3. Arrow Side/Other side

WSS Study Guide JS2-1

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WSS Study Guide JS2-1

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WSS Study Guide JS2-1

Identify the different types of joints and welds

Typical welding symbol

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WSS Study Guide JS2-1

1.1 Weld Symbols

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WSS Study Guide JS2-1

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Weld symbols for bevel, square, U- and J-groove welds

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Weld symbols for flare groove and surfacing welds

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Incorrect Welding symbols

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The types of welds covered by the Standard AWS A2.4, Standard

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Basic Weld symbols

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1.2 Supplementary Symbols

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WSS Study Guide JS2-1

1.3 Welding Symbols

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WSS Study Guide JS2-1

Key elements of a welding symbol

welding, brazing and cutting process.

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WSS Study Guide JS2-1

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Standard location of the elements of a welding symbol

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2. Types of Joints and Welds

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One joint only

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Answers and comments on the answers

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The five basic joints

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2.2 Types of Welds

2.2.1 Groove Weld

Groove welds can be classified as shown in Figure 14:

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Classification of groove welds

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FIG. 15A Single sided groove welds

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WSS Study Guide JS2-1

FIG. 15B Double sided groove welds

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