Welding Symbols in SOLIDWORKS
Diving into the world of welding symbols can be intimidating enough without having to find and learn the tools needed to put them in parts and drawings. Luckily, SOLIDWORKS has streamlined the process of defining weld symbols with a single dialog box. There we can create all the necessary symbols needed to communicate with the welder. In addition to the creation of weld symbols, the meanings of some common weld symbols will be briefly discussed.
First off, let’s begin with the basic weld symbol. An arrow is used to show where the bead will be laid.
The weld type symbol can be put on top of the arrow or below it. If the weld type symbol is below the arrow, the bead will be laid on the face the arrow points to. If the weld type symbol is above the arrow, then the bead will be laid opposite to the face the arrow points to.
The symbols above or below the arrow represent different types of welds. A triangle represents a fillet weld, a V represents a V Groove weld, and two parallel lines represent a square weld. Each of these symbols can be seen below.
Numbers to the left of the weld type symbol represent the size of the weld, while numbers to the right of the weld type symbol represent the length of the weld. If a dash follows the length, the number represents the distance between intermittent welds.
Now it’s time to see how easy it is to access those weld type symbols inside SOLIDWORKS. SOLIDWORKS has the option of creating the complete symbol while the part is being created or after it has been put inside a drawing. Let’s first look at weld symbol creation inside the part environment. Two quarter inch plates will be welded together using a quarter inch fillet weld. To create a weld bead click on the Weldments tab on the CommandManager and click on Weld Bead.
In the PropertyManager we can define the weld by Weld Geometry or Weld Path. The Weld Geometry allows two faces to be chosen so a weld bead can be laid between them. Weld Path allows an edge to be selected where the weld bead will be placed.
Once the location is defined, the Weld Symbol dialogue box appears. Here we can add the weld type, size, and the direction information.
After finishing in the Weld Symbol dialogue window and completing the Weld Bead feature, the weld symbol will appear. After saving the part, weld symbols can be brought into drawing views by using Model Items on the Annotation tab.
Weld symbols can also be made directly in drawings. While in the drawing environment the Weld Symbol tool can be found on the Annotation Tab.
The same dialog box as found in the part environment is used to create the symbols. The weld symbol is placed by clicking on the desired location of the weld. The weld symbol is now finished and will be snapped into place.
In this Blog, we covered the basics of the weld symbol tools and what some weld symbols mean. The ability to create weld symbols while in a part environment helps streamline the design process by having them transfer to corresponding drawing views. SOLIDWORKS carries all the necessary weld symbols to ensure the welder on the floor understands what it is the designer wants. Do you have any additional tips or tricks for using the Weld Dialogue more effectively? Let us know in the comments!
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