Weld Backing Tape
Argweld weld backing tape supports the root weld with a central fibreglass strip on adhesive aluminium foil. Choose the grade for the welding current and joint; plain aluminium purge tape is listed separately below.
Argweld weld backing tape supports the molten weld pool from the underside of a joint. Its woven fibreglass weld backing strip sits beneath the weld root, while the adhesive aluminium edges attach to the surrounding material. Typical applications include single-sided welding of sheet, plate, tanks, vessels and large-diameter pipe.
Compare backing tape grades
Select backing tape for root welds by welding current, joint design and the approved welding procedure. The four backing grades below use an approximately 76 mm (3 inch) aluminium carrier with a 25 mm (1 inch) central glass-fibre band.
| Part number | Grade | Maximum listed current | Roll length | Glass-fibre weave |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABT0004 | Low amperage | 80 A | 25 m | Light |
| ABT0005 | Medium amperage | 160 A | 12.5 m | Medium |
| ABT0006 | Heavy amperage | 240 A | 12.5 m | Thick |
| ABT0007 | Super heavy amperage | 600 A | 12.5 m | Thick |
Plain aluminium weld purge tape
ABT0003 is the separately listed adhesive aluminium weld purge tape: 51 mm (2 inches) wide, supplied as a 45 m roll, without woven glass support. It is not one of the four weld-pool backing grades and should not be selected as a substitute for their supporting strip.
Plan welding and backing removal
Position the glass-fibre band beneath the joint and follow the supplied installation instructions. The tape can retain shielding gas near the root and may reduce the volume that needs purging. Whether it can replace a full back purge depends on the joint, process and welding procedure; it does not remove a specified oxygen limit or inspection requirement.
Confirm the backing grade for TIG/GTAW or MIG/GMAW work, and check suitability before using another process. After the weld has cooled, remove the tape as instructed. The manufacturer specifies single use because the glass fibre and adhesive are affected by welding.
Backing tape can reduce root cleanup and preparation in a suitable application, but it does not guarantee defect-free welds, eliminate every need for grinding, or establish approval for a particular pressure, hygienic or regulated service.
Ordering and related purge equipment
Quote the part number, roll quantity, welding current and joint details when contacting Justram. Existing nominal shipping references are 0.5 kg net/gross/volumetric for ABT0003; 1.3 kg net and 1.4 kg gross/volumetric for ABT0004; and 1.2 kg net and 1.4 kg gross/volumetric for ABT0005–ABT0007. Confirm packing and shipping weights with the quotation.
Read the manufacturer’s backing tape guidance. For a separate purge barrier, compare water-soluble weld purge film or PurgElite inflatable systems, and review the weld purge monitor range for atmosphere measurement.
