T-joint weld between elongated components using flexible interlayer between abutting faces

摘要

Elongated components (1,2) forming a T-joint are welded together using an interlayer (8) sealing against the flange plate (1) and of a material that is flexible along its length and elastic or elasto-plastic through its thickness, expanding and hardening under heat. The weld is made from the side of the flange remote from the web plate (2), penetrating into the middle of the end face of the web. The flexible material is melted by welding and floats out as slag, while the unmelted material expands and seals the air gap either side of the weld. Preferably, the parts are tack-welded together by making blind holes from the side remote from the angle regions of the components, using a plasma-arc cutter, and filling them up by MIG/MAG welding