V-Groove Weld Symbol
The V-groove weld symbol is a V with its point on the reference line. It calls for a butt weld where both plate edges are bevelled to form a V. Below the line means arrow side, above means other side, and a V on both sides is a double-V. Depth of preparation and groove weld size go on the left, the root opening inside the V and the groove angle beyond it.
How to read the v-groove weld symbol
In a V-groove, both edges are bevelled so they make a V-shaped trough for the weld metal. The symbol is that V, drawn with its point touching the reference line.
V below the line: prepare and weld the arrow side. V above: the other side. A V on each side is a double-V groove, welded from both sides, used on thicker plate to halve the filler and balance distortion.
What each dimension position means
| Position | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Left (S) | Depth of groove preparation: how deep the bevels go. |
| Left, in parentheses (E) | Groove weld size: how deep the weld must fuse. It can be more or less than S. With neither shown on a single V, complete joint penetration is usually meant. |
| Inside the V (R) | Root opening: the gap at the bottom of the V. |
| Beyond the V (A) | Groove angle: the included angle between the two bevels. |
| Tail | Process, WPS, or a joint designation from the governing code. |
Example callout, read aloud
“On the arrow side, bevel both edges to a 60-degree included angle, 3/8 inch deep, with a 1/8-inch root opening, and weld to a groove weld size of 7/16 inch using shielded metal arc welding.”
Example: reading the callout piece by piece
- V below the line: arrow side V-groove.
- 60° beyond the V: included groove angle 60°, so 30° on each edge.
- 1/8 inside: root opening 1/8 inch.
- 3/8(7/16): bevels 3/8 inch deep; weld fuses to 7/16 inch, deeper than the preparation because of root penetration.
Result: On the arrow side, bevel both edges to a 60-degree included angle, 3/8 inch deep, with a 1/8-inch root opening, and weld to a groove weld size of 7/16 inch using shielded metal arc welding.
When it is used
- Butt joints in plate too thick for a square groove, typically from around 1/4 inch upward.
- Pipe butt welds, where a single V is welded from the outside.
- Double-V on thick plate welded from both sides, to save filler and keep distortion even.
Common mistakes
- Reading the groove angle as the bevel angle of each edge. The angle on the symbol is the included angle. 60° means 30° per edge.
- Confusing S and (E). S is preparation depth; the value in parentheses is weld size. They can differ.
- Putting the root opening outside the V. Root opening goes inside the symbol; groove angle goes beyond it.
- Assuming a double-V when the symbol shows one side. One V means one side. A double-V shows a V on each side of the line.
Related weld symbols
- Bevel groove weld: A bevel groove prepares only one edge.
- U-groove weld: A U-groove uses less filler on very thick plate.
- Square groove weld: Thin plate may need no preparation at all.
- Back and backing weld: A back weld on the other side is common after a single V.
- J-groove weld: A J-groove is the one-sided, curved-bottom alternative.
Every weld symbol page: welding symbols chart
Calculators and further reading
Frequently asked questions
What does the angle on a V-groove symbol mean?
The included groove angle, the total angle between the two bevelled edges.
What is the difference between S and (E) on a groove weld symbol?
S is the depth of the groove preparation. (E) in parentheses is the groove weld size, the depth the weld must fuse.
What does a V on both sides of the reference line mean?
A double-V groove weld: both sides of the joint are prepared and welded.
Where does the root opening go?
Inside the V symbol.
What if there is no size on a V-groove symbol?
For a single V-groove, no size generally means complete joint penetration. Check the governing code and any notes.
Sources
- AWS A2.4 Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination, American Welding Society
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