While you might see the terms “welding symbol” and “weld symbol” used interchangeably, they do not describe the same symbols. For conveying the specifications of a weld, according to AWS A3.0M/A3.0:2020 – Standard Welding Terms And Definitions Including Terms For Adhesive Bonding, Brazing, Soldering, Thermal Cutting, And Thermal Spraying, these two should not be confused.
In fact, Clause 4, “Basic Welding Symbols,” of AWS A2.4:2020, the standard for welding symbols, begins by noting that there a distinction between the terms weld symbol and welding symbol. In short, a weld symbol, when used, is a part of the welding symbol.
What is a Welding Symbol?
According to AWS A3.0:2020, a welding symbol is “A graphical representation of the specifications for producing a welded joint.”
A welding symbol can feature several components, the required elements of which include the horizontal reference line and arrow. Additional optional elements include the weld symbol and supplementary symbols and information in the tail.
What is a Weld Symbol?
According to AWS A3.0:2020, a weld symbol is “A graphic character connected to the reference line of a brazing or welding symbol specifying the joint geometry or weld type.”
As you can see, a weld symbol is a component of a welding symbol.
The Standards for Welding Symbols and Welding Terms
Welders and others in the industry should refer to AWS A2.4:2020 for standard welding symbols and graphics depicting their meaning and usage. You can learn more about this standard and the changes made to the current version in our post Standard Welding Symbols – Changes to AWS A2.4:2020.
Likewise, anyone who needs the AWS A3.0:2020 standard for welding vocabulary can find it on the ANSI Webstore. For an outline of the changes to this current edition, please refer to our past post New Standard Welding Terms in AWS A3.0:2020.
