What is the depth of filling on plug or slot welds in material under 5/8" thick?

The depth of filling for plug or slot welds in materials that are less than 5/8 inch thick is specified as 1/8 inch in the AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code. This standard establishes guidelines to ensure the integrity and strength of welds while considering the thickness of the materials being joined.

For materials under 5/8 inch, a depth of 1/8 inch allows for sufficient penetration while managing heat input and minimizing the risk of distortion or weakening of the base materials. This specification is designed to ensure that welds provide adequate strength without compromising the metal’s structural properties.

In contrast, the other suggested depths do not align with the guidelines set forth in the code for this specific thickness of material. If deeper fillings were used, it could lead to unnecessary issues such as increased heat input, which may affect the material properties and result in a weld that is not compliant with the AWS D1.1 standards. Therefore, adhering strictly to the 1/8 inch depth for plug or slot welds in steel under 5/8 inch thick is crucial for achieving optimal weld performance and structural integrity.