When designing equipment to be fabricated of titanium, consideration must be given to providing proper access during welding. Designs must provide space for manipulation of the torches and trailing shields, which are necessary equipment for welding titanium, particularly where nozzles or attachments are close to large flanges. Full access to the root side of welds is also desirable for titanium equipment. This stems from the necessity for inert gas shielding and inspection of titanium welds. If a weld joint cannot be reached, both inspection and repair are made more difficult.
Titanium tends to shrink and distort more than steel during welding.
The low thermal conductivity of titanium results in high metal temperatures and, consequently, loss of strength. Titanium tack welds, weld metal deposits and abutting edges soften and move more than would be expected for steel. Measures need to be taken to maintain joint alignment. Tee joints with full penetration groove and fillet on the same side of the joint should be avoided if possible.