User:Rcmccall1/sandbox

Backing plate welding is a term that refers to the process of installing a piece of material on the back of an open root weld to keep molten metal from falling through the gap. The root of the weld is the first pass made in a series of welds that will make up the weld joint. The root of the weld is very crucial to the overall strength and longevity of the weld joint.The benefit of the gap between the two pieces of material being welded is to ensure that the materials are completely bonded during welding. The gap being welded can be very large and require a backing plate to keep the molten metal from falling out of the weld.

Types of backing material

 * Ceramic tiles
 * Copper strips/tiles
 * Fiberglass tape
 * Consumable inserts(material specific)
 * Permanent backing

These many different types of backing all help to reduce production time by lowering or eliminating the need to grind the back of the weld after the welding process is finished. The skills required by the welder are also reduced due to higher skill level needed to weld an open gap without backing and still maintain weld strength. Backing plates can be left in place on the finished product but are often removed to prevent negative effects such as corrosion or rust due to water and small debris being trapped between the backing plate and base material. It is also common to remove backing plates due lack of bonding between base material and the copper or ceramic backing which does not bond to the weld. In cases where consumable inserts are used the insert must be made for the specific type of material being welded so the desired bond strength can be achieved. The backing plates also can incorporate grooves that allow some molten metal to accumulate on the back of the gap to help ensure the bond is complete between the two materials. Grooved backing is most commonly clamped or taped on the weld and made of ceramic or copper material which is removed after welding.