Preparation Before Welding

TM 5-5420-279-23

Figure 2-1 Temperature/time curve for strength restoration

Preparation Before Welding

Determination of Weldability

Before repairing any damaged materiel, it must be determined whether or not the materiel can be

satisfactorily welded. This determination is based upon the factors listed below.

(1)

Determine the nature and extent of the damage and the amount of straightening and

fitting of the metal that will be required.

(2)

Determine the possibility of restoring the structure to a usable condition without the

use of welding.

(3)

Determine the type of metal used in the damaged part, whether it was heat treated,

and if so, if heat treating or other equipment or materials will be required in order to make

the repair by welding.

(4)

Determine what heat treatment was used.

(5)

Determine if the welding heat will distort the shape or in any manner impair the

physical properties of the part to be repaired.

Preparation of the Launch Vehicle Prior to Welding

It is preferred that any component to be repaired is removed from the vehicle first. Should welding

be carried out on the launch vehicle then procedure 6-39 General Welding Maintenance from TM

9-2320-364-34-2 Chapter 2 must be performed. Additionally, all external connectors and ground

straps on both the Operator panel and Launcher cabinets must be removed prior to welding. The

chest pack and tail lift pendant must also be removed.

Paint must be removed from the point of earth contact prior to performing a welding repair.

Appendix K Page 3