Manage your account on the go with the SBI Card Mobile App
: While often called a "puddle weld" in the trade, industry codes like AWS D1.3 and AISI S100 refer to it as an arc spot weld to more accurately reflect the process. Puddle Weld vs. Plug Weld Though similar, they differ in preparation:
Requires a pre-drilled or punched hole in the top sheet, which is then filled with weld metal to join it to the piece beneath. Key Characteristics and Process
circular motion to flow the molten metal outward. Visual Cues A good puddle should appear even, completely filled, and have a "stacked dimes" appearance when finished. Common Defects "Burn-out" (too much heat) or "cold lap" (not enough heat/too fast) can lead to weak joints that fail inspection. Professional Insights The "puddle" is not just a weld type, but a critical visual feedback tool for any welder. “The weld pool becomes the weld and it is important to observe the clues the weld pool provides.” YouTube · TimWelds “The key in seeing the puddle in all the processes is looking past the arc. Don’t focus on it.” Everlast Power Critical Limits Per the American Welding Society (AWS) D1.3 , puddle welding is generally restricted to the
It is most effective when joining thin-gauge steel (such as roof or floor decking) to thicker structural members.
While the term "puddle" often refers to the molten pool created during any standard welding process, in a structural context, a puddle weld is a specific type of joint used extensively in construction and industrial fabrication. Puddle Weld vs. Plug Weld