Single-V butt weld
Applied to joint
Butt joint — plates aligned end to end
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Equipment for groove welds
MIG and TIG machines suited for groove weld preparations on plate.
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Description
A butt weld where both members are bevelled to form a V-shaped groove. The most widely used groove preparation for plate thicknesses from about 6 mm to 20 mm. Provides good access for the welding arc and produces reliable full-penetration joints.
In plain English
The bread-and-butter groove weld. Both plates get a bevel so you end up with a V-shaped channel to fill with weld metal. You will use this more than any other groove prep. Typical included angle is 60 degrees, sometimes 70 for positional work. It uses more filler than a U-prep but is far easier to machine or grind. For anything thicker than about 20 mm, consider a double-V to save on filler and reduce distortion.
Symbol position
V symbol placed on reference line. Arrow side or other side indicates which face of the joint.
Size notation
Groove angle shown inside the V or to the side. Root opening and root face dimensioned separately. Depth of weld (S) to the left if partial penetration.
Notation examples
ISO places the groove angle notation adjacent to the symbol directly, while AWS typically shows it angled within the V. Minor presentational difference but can cause confusion when reading cross-standard drawings.
Groove angle shown on the symbol. Root opening and root face shown in cross-section or in the tail of the symbol.
Groove angle placed adjacent to the symbol. ISO requires the angle notation to appear with the symbol on the reference line. Root gap 'b' and root face 'c' dimensioned.
Common uses
- Structural steel plate joints (6-20 mm)
- Pressure vessel longitudinal and circumferential seams
- Pipe butt welds (all positions)
- General fabrication where full penetration is required
