Weld Cooling Time Estimator
A tool to estimate how long a welded component will take to cool down to a safe handling temperature, aiding in workshop planning and safety.
Cooling Parameters
The Post-Weld Waiting Game
After a weld is completed, it can remain dangerously hot for a long time. Attempting to handle or move a component before it has cooled sufficiently can lead to severe burns and create a significant safety hazard. Furthermore, some quality control inspections, like magnetic particle testing, must be performed within a specific temperature window. Knowing the approximate cooling time is therefore important for both safety and workflow planning.
What Influences Cooling Time?
This calculator uses a simplified model based on Newton's Law of Cooling. The main factors are:
- Mass and Thickness: Thicker, heavier parts hold more heat and will take much longer to cool than thin parts.
- Temperature Difference: The greater the difference between the hot part and the surrounding air, the faster it will cool initially.
- Surface Area and Airflow: A part in a windy area will cool much faster than one in still air. This calculator assumes still air conditions.