Weld Bead Width Calculator
A tool to estimate the final width of a weld bead based on key variables like travel speed, wire feed speed, and weave/oscillation width.
Enter Welding Parameters
Controlling the Weld Profile
The width of a weld bead is a key part of its overall profile. It's controlled by a balance between how fast you deposit metal and how fast you move along the joint. A wider bead can be useful for bridging large gaps or for the final "cap" pass on a multi-pass weld to give it a good appearance.
How Parameters Affect Width:
- Wire Feed Speed (WFS): Higher WFS deposits more metal per minute, leading to a wider bead if travel speed is constant.
- Travel Speed: A slower travel speed allows more metal to build up, creating a wider bead. A faster speed "stretches" the bead out, making it narrower.
- Oscillation/Weave: The side-to-side motion a welder uses is a primary way to control width. A wider weave directly results in a wider bead.