Multi-position plate welding using modified double-J joint

摘要

A multi-position method is provided for gas metal arc welding thick aluminum alloy plates in a single welding pass on each surface of the plates. A first plate edge is provided with a tongue portion having (1) a land surface abutting a portion of a second plate edge, and (2) two arcuate J-shaped side surfaces, each adjoining the land surface at opposite ends thereof and each adjoining its respective side surface of the first plate at an angle approximating 90°. The J-shaped side surfaces and second plate edge surface cooperate to define a modified double-J welding groove. The plates are welded together in a single pass on each side thereof by first depositing a weld bead in the modified J groove on one side of the plates and then, after this bead has sufficiently solidified, a second weld bead is deposited in a single pass in the modified double-J groove on the other side of the plates. Welding is carried out in the presence of a shield gas, preferably argon, with a direct current ranging from 290 to 420 amperes.