When are groove welds typically used?

Groove welds are specifically designed for situations where the edges of two pieces of material are brought together to form a joint in which the surfaces create a groove. This configuration allows for deeper penetration of the weld metal, making it suitable for thicker materials or where strength is a critical requirement. The groove can be shaped to allow the welding process to fill the space completely, ensuring a strong bond.

In applications where surfaces might not be in contact, groove welds would not be applicable as the joint relies on that direct interaction to create an effective weld. While groove welds can be advantageous for welding thin sections, they are more commonly associated with thicker materials that require a stronger and more substantial weld. Additionally, groove welds can be used for joining the same type of metals, and while they can potentially accommodate dissimilar metals, doing so usually requires specific considerations and techniques different from standard groove welding.