Preheat Temperature Calculator
Calculate recommended preheat temperature for welding based on carbon equivalent (CE) and material thickness.
How to Use the Preheat Temperature Calculator
- Enter the carbon content of the base metal as a percentage (e.g. 0.20 for 0.20% C).
- Enter the manganese content as a percentage.
- Enter the material thickness in mm.
Casi d'Uso
- •Determining preheat requirements before welding structural steel.
- •Setting up WPS (Welding Procedure Specifications) for fabrication.
- •Assessing cold-cracking risk for high-carbon or alloy steels.
Formula
CE = C + Mn/6. Preheat temperature determined by CE and thickness thresholds per IIW guidance.
Domande Frequenti
Why is preheat required for welding?
Preheat slows the cooling rate in the HAZ, reducing the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking (cold cracking), especially in higher-carbon or thicker steels.
What is carbon equivalent (CE)?
CE is a formula that combines the effects of carbon and alloying elements on hardenability. Higher CE means higher susceptibility to cold cracking and greater preheat need.
Is this calculator free?
Yes, all OhMyCalc calculators are completely free to use.