Welding Time Estimate

Estimating welding time

Multiply weld length by pass count and divide by travel speed to obtain arc time. Two passes of three metres at 300 mm/min require 20 minutes of arc time. If the arc is active for 50 percent of working time, allow 40 minutes. A separate ten minute setup gives 50 minutes total.

Production planning

Use observed production data for the arc time fraction. It may include cleaning, repositioning and electrode changes. Calculate passes at different speeds separately and add their times. Inspection, repair and shift arrangements need separate consideration.

Using the arc time fraction correctly

Arc time fraction is the share of the selected working period during which the arc is active. A machine's rated duty cycle concerns its thermal operating limit. These are not interchangeable. When selecting a fraction from previous production, check similarity of joint geometry, position, access and work organization.

For example, weld four passes of 1.5 m each at 250 mm/min. Total travel is 6 m, or 6000 mm. Arc time is 6000/250 = 24 minutes. With an illustrative arc fraction of 60 percent, working time excluding separate setup is 24/0.6 = 40 minutes. Adding 6 minutes of separate setup gives 46 minutes. The 60 percent value is an example, not a general production assumption.

Including setup in the fraction and adding it separately counts the same loss twice. Calculate pass groups separately if lengths or speeds differ. The model estimates duration from geometric travel and an observed working fraction. It does not determine required pass count or allowable travel speed. For labour cost, assess the number of people working simultaneously separately.

Frequently asked questions

How do you calculate welding time per metre?

For example weld length 1 m, 2 passes, speed 300 mm/min, arc time share 50 percent and setup 10 minutes, total welding time is 23.33 minutes. Arc time follows from total pass length and is divided by its share of working time, while inspection, repair and passes at different speeds require separate treatment.

Calculate with these values