Weld Pass Sequence Planner

An educational tool to visualize and understand different weld pass sequencing strategies used to control heat, minimize distortion, and manage residual stress.

Select a Sequencing Strategy

Backstep Welding

A technique where short weld segments are deposited in the direction opposite to the overall progression. This helps to balance heat and reduce longitudinal distortion.

Execution Steps:

1. Divide the total weld length into small segments (e.g., A, B, C).
2. Weld segment A from right to left.
3. Move to the end of segment B, and weld it from right to left.
4. Continue this pattern until the full length is welded.

Fighting Distortion with Strategy

Simply laying a single, continuous weld from one end of a long joint to the other is often the worst way to do it. This method concentrates heat at the end of the weld, causing significant distortion and build-up of residual stress. Weld sequencing is a strategic approach where the weld is broken down into smaller, planned segments. The goal is to distribute the heat and shrinkage stresses more evenly across the structure, thereby minimizing the final distortion.