Distortion is a potential problem when metals are joined by arc welding processes. The intense heat of welding causes localized expansion of both the weld metal and the base metal, while the surrounding base material remains relatively cool. The latter area acts to restrict the localized expansion and, eventually, the metal heated in the welding process contracts, causing distortion. While no one can change the laws of physics, we can control distortion - both in the shop and on the drawing board. This is the first of a three-part series on controlling distortion and will address what we can do at the design stage to minimize distortion, starting with the easier concepts. Later, we'll look at some advanced design-related topics and, finally, we'll consider what we can do in the shop to control distortion.
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