Welding Distortion is caused by limited to a small area heat that welding generate along with shrinking of the weld metal as the weld cools. It is complex to avoid welding distortion but a few easy steps will help minimize the problem. If probable plan the job to avoid long welding runs. If extended welding runs are unavoidable use plenty of tacks, weld with the welder turned as low as possible and do a sequence of short welding runs, allowing the work piece to cool between welding runs. Using support plates to help take welding heat away will also help.

Welding Distortion can be corrected from butt and exterior corner welds by peening. Do this by asset a metal block behind the weld and peening consistently along the weld with a hammer. This process stretches the weld metal to exact the shrinking that occurred during cooling. Avoid over peening as this purpose overstretches the join and re-distort the effort piece.