5 Assembly
Bringing together all of the weldment parts to create the final product requires proficiency in several areas, including tack welding, locating and aligning parts, and using various assembly tools.
Tack Welds
Tack welds are made during assembly to hold all weldment parts together before the final welding. Considerations when tacking include: thickness of the metal, the joint length and shape, welding stresses, and overall tolerances and fit-up.
Location and Alignment Points
Locating parts is easier when parts are lined up on an edge starting at a corner. From there, careful checking of alignment points on the welding diagram will help ensure an accurate weld.
Assembly Tools
Many tools are needed to maintain the shape of the product during assembly. Without using tools like clamps or fixtures, welding warps the metal you are working on. This can potentially ruin the part, costing millions.
Clamps temporarily hold parts in place. Types of clamps include: c-clamps, bar clamps, pipe clamps, locking pliers, cam-lock clamps, and other specialty clamps.
Fixtures aid in assembling and fabrication of weldments. They may align, position, or support parts during the fabrication process. This allows for quicker production of the same part multiple times.
