What does the term 'intermittent' refer to in fillet welding?

The term 'intermittent' in fillet welding specifically refers to welds that are not continuous along the joint. This means that instead of applying a solid, uniform weld bead along the entire length of the joint, the welder places intermittent welds at specified intervals. This approach is often used to reduce the amount of weld material needed, minimize heat input, and consequently decrease distortion in the workpiece.

Using intermittent fillet welds can also help improve efficiency and reduce costs, making this method often preferable in structural applications where full welds may not be necessary for joint strength. It’s important to follow the design specifications and the requirements outlined in the AWS D1.1 code, as intermittent welding has specific guidelines regarding the length and spacing of the welds to ensure proper structural integrity.

Understanding this definition helps reinforce the fundamental principles of welding design and application, ensuring that appropriate techniques are employed based on the structural needs.