Welding Distortion

When metal is heated it expands and when it is

cooled it contracts.(expansion and contraction)
Distortion is caused by the uneven heating and
cooling of metal. Welding always causes
distortion. It is important for the person performing
the welding operation to be aware of the three main
types of distortion and how they can be controlled.
Angular Distortion is created when welding a tee
joint. If a weld is deposited on one side only, the
results will be that the vertical plate will be pulled
from 90 degrees toward the welded side.

Lateral Distortion is created

when welding plates side by
side. The expansion and
contraction is across the weld.
As the weld continues along
the length of the plates the
plates pull inward. The plates
will scissor or overlap onto
each other.
Longitudinal Distortion can
also occur when welding plates side by side
and when the weld is deposited on one side
only. The expansion and contraction is along
the length of the plate. A curling action will
pull the plate upward toward the weld.
Questions;
1. What happens when metal is heated?.
2. What causes distortion?
3. How can distortion be controlled?