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Calcimator

Welding Distortion Calculator

Estimate angular distortion, longitudinal shrinkage, transverse shrinkage, and camber from welding based on joint geometry and restraint.

Inputs

in
in
in

Results

Angular Distortion

2.22°

Longitudinal Shrinkage0 in
Transverse Shrinkage0.07 in
Camber (Bowing)0 in
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter Plate Thickness, Weld Size, and Weld Length.
  2. Set Joint Type and Restraint Level.
  3. Review the Angular Distortion (°) result.
  4. Use Longitudinal Shrinkage and Transverse Shrinkage to inform your decision.
  5. Use the chart to visualize the results and explore different scenarios by adjusting inputs.

How the result changes with Plate Thickness

Plate ThicknessAngular Distortion
0.461.5°
1.440.15°
2.620.05°
3.610.02°

What each input means

Plate Thickness
Thickness of the base plate being welded.
Weld Size
Fillet leg size or groove weld depth.
Weld Length
Total length of the weld joint.
Joint Type
1 = Butt joint, 2 = Fillet joint, 3 = T-joint.
Restraint Level
1 = Free (no restraint), 2 = Moderate (tack welds/clamps), 3 = Heavy (strong-backs/fixtures).

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Plate Thickness = 0.375, Weld Size = 0.25, Weld Length = 24, Joint Type = 2 = 5 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Angular Distortion
    Angular Distortion
    2.22 = 2.22
  3. Calculate Longitudinal Shrinkage
    Longitudinal Shrinkage
    0 = 0
  4. Calculate Transverse Shrinkage
    Transverse Shrinkage
    0.067 = 0.067

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