WELDING OPERATIONS I - OD1651 - LESSON 1/TASK 2
2.
General
a. Armor Plate Uses.
Armor plate is used on tanks, self-
propelled guns, and other combat vehicles for the protection of
personnel and equipment from the destructive force of enemy
It is fabricated both in the form of castings and
rolled plates, which are heat treated to develop the desired
structural and protective properties.
The manufacture of gun
turrets and combat tank hulls includes one-piece castings and
welded assemblies of rolled plates and sections that have been
cast.
b. Repair of Armor Plate. Welding has replaced riveting for the
repair of armor plate although, in some cases, riveting is still
used on some vehicles protected by face hardened armor.
Developing a suitable technique for welding armor plate depends
upon consideration of the following factors affecting the
weldability of armor plate:
(1) knowledge of the exact types of armor being welded;
(2) knowledge of the proper repair methods;
(3) the function of the damaged structure;
(4) proper
selection
of
welding
materials
and
repair
procedures;
(5) urgency of the repair required to accomplish the combat
mission;
(6) careful analysis of the defect in terms of the proper
joint, electrode, current, voltage, polarity, and minimum welding
stresses and warpage during repair; and
(7) knowledge
of
safety
hazards
fire
and
safety
hazard
procedures.
The theory, principles, and procedures for welding armor plate
are basically the same as those used for industrial fabrication,
but must be modified at times because of the varying types of
damage that can occur in the battlefield.
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