When joining abutting parts, what is the maximum allowable offset in terms of thickness, with a cap of 3 mm?

When joining abutting parts, what is the maximum allowable offset in terms of thickness, with a cap of 3 mm?

• A. An offset not exceeding 5% of the thinnest material
• B. An offset not exceeding 15% of the thinnest material
• C. An offset not exceeding 10% of the thickness of the thinnest material but not larger than 3 mm
• D. An offset not exceeding 20% of the thinnest material

Answer: (C)

When aligning abutting parts, you limit how far one piece can sit out of line with the other to ensure the weld can properly fuse and the joint remains workable. The allowable offset is 10% of the thickness of the thinnest material, but not larger than 3 mm. In other words, offset = min(0.10 × thickness of the thinnest piece, 3 mm). For a 6 mm thinnest plate, that’s 0.6 mm; for 30 mm, it’s capped at 3 mm; for thicker pieces, the cap keeps the offset from growing beyond 3 mm. This keeps fit-up practical while maintaining weld quality and joint geometry.

When aligning abutting parts, you limit how far one piece can sit out of line with the other to ensure the weld can properly fuse and the joint remains workable. The allowable offset is 10% of the thickness of the thinnest material, but not larger than 3 mm. In other words, offset = min(0.10 × thickness of the thinnest piece, 3 mm). For a 6 mm thinnest plate, that’s 0.6 mm; for 30 mm, it’s capped at 3 mm; for thicker pieces, the cap keeps the offset from growing beyond 3 mm. This keeps fit-up practical while maintaining weld quality and joint geometry.