Spacer
Applied to joint
Supplementary symbol applied to fillet weld
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Description
A supplementary symbol indicating that a spacer (strip or shim) is placed between the joint faces to maintain a consistent root gap. The spacer may or may not be consumed during welding, depending on the material and process.
In plain English
A thin strip of metal placed between the two joint faces to hold the root gap open at a consistent width. On some joints, the spacer melts into the weld. On others (like copper spacers), it is removed. The symbol is a rectangle placed between the joint faces on the weld symbol. Spacers make life easier for fit-up and give consistent root gaps, especially on long seams where maintaining an even gap by tacking alone is difficult.
Symbol position
Rectangle between the joint faces on the weld symbol.
Size notation
Spacer thickness and material noted in the tail or on the drawing.
Common uses
- Long seam butt joints where root gap consistency is critical
- Thick plate joints with wide root gaps
- Electroslag and electrogas welding setups
- Joints where precise root gap is needed for automated welding
