Flare-V and Flare-Bevel Groove Symbols
Flare grooves are formed by curved member surfaces rather than machined bevels. A flare-V occurs between two curved members; a flare-bevel occurs between a curved member and a flat member.
- Identify flare-V and flare-bevel joint geometry
- Recognize when member curvature—not machining—creates the groove
- Find the specified weld size/depth instead of assuming the full flare is filled
A correct icon is not yet a correct decision.
Flare grooves are common where round bars, tubes, or formed edges meet. Their apparent groove is created by geometry, so conventional V/bevel assumptions can overstate preparation and weld size.
What each mark tells you—and what it does not.
Use the third column as a stop-check. It prevents a familiar mark from turning into an unsupported assumption.
| Visual cue | What it tells you | What you must still verify |
|---|---|---|
| Two opposing curved forms | Flare-V groove geometry | Confirm the members’ actual radii and contact condition. |
| One curved and one flat form | Flare-bevel groove geometry | Do not read it as a straight machined bevel. |
| Size/depth value | Controls the weld requirement as defined by the callout | Do not assume the entire visible flare volume must be filled. |
A round tube meets a flat plate
The curved tube surface creates a groove along the contact line without edge machining.
Classify the joint as flare-bevel geometry, then read required size/depth, length, side, and any detail defining effective throat or extent.
The crew preserves the formed member and does not machine an unnecessary bevel.
How to read it without guessing
Use the joint geometry to distinguish two curved members from one curved and one flat member, then read any depth of groove and groove weld size values to the left.
- Inspect whether the joint has two curved surfaces or one curved and one flat surface.
- Match that geometry to flare-V or flare-bevel.
- Determine side significance from the reference line.
- Read groove depth, weld size, length, and applicable detail requirements.
Similar-looking instructions, different fabrication decisions
Flare V
Two curved member surfaces form the groove
DECIDING CHECKAre both sides of the groove naturally curved?Flare bevel
One curved surface meets a flat surface
DECIDING CHECKIs only one side naturally curved?Machined V/bevel
Prepared straight faces create the groove
DECIDING CHECKDoes the detail call for edge preparation?Three mistakes that change the instruction
Calling it a V groove
A flare-V comes from two curved surfaces; it is not necessarily a V preparation machined into both edges.
Ignoring member geometry
The elementary symbol must be matched to the physical round-to-round or round-to-flat joint.
Assuming full radius penetration
Required groove weld size and acceptance come from the complete callout and governing requirements.
Flare Grooves practice
Skill: joint geometry
Which joint geometry creates a flare-V groove?
Five checks for this symbol
This is a drawing-reading checklist, not an acceptance standard. Use it before fabrication, fit-up, inspection, or answering a test question.
- 01Inspect actual member geometry
- 02Classify flare V/bevel
- 03Read size/depth and length
- 04Check side and extent
- 05Confirm effective-throat rules and WPS
Standards and editorial basis
This guide teaches common AWS-style drawing interpretation. It is educational material, not a substitute for the purchased standard, project specification, code, WPS, or qualified engineering direction.
Editorial method. Original training diagrams, worked decisions, misconception checks, and questions are written for learning—not copied from a standards table. Production interpretation must still follow the governing documents.
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Related symbol guides
Groove Welds Overview
V Groove
Bevel Groove
Size, Length & PitchEducational practice only. Verify production work against the governing drawing, applicable standard, WPS, and qualified instruction.