Some joints can’t rely on a fillet. When a connection plate has to develop its full strength through the weld, as in moment connections, the joint calls for complete joint penetration (CJP).

This sample is an AWS D1.1 prequalified single bevel groove weld (TC-U4a-GF) welded by a BeamMaster. It joins a connection plate to a flange and was welded flat on a permanent backing bar. The robot fills the groove one layer at a time and repeats the same wire placement, travel speed and pass sequence on every pass. Full penetration work depends on that repeatability, and it is hard to hold by hand over a long shift.

How it works

CJP runs as a dedicated BeamMaster program, separate from Cortex auto-programming. The operator selects the program, enters the joint length and orientation, and locates the joint with the teach tip. The robot handles the rest.

Good fit-up is what makes it work: a 1/4" root opening, a 45° bevel and a knife-edge root face, all within tight tolerances. The program covers connection plate to flange joints, with flanges from 3/8" to 1-3/4" and joints up to 24" long. Specific operator training is part of the rollout.