AndyUK's Build - 1.2x1.0m Gantry

[AndyUK]

Great build!

Not sure if I missed it, but did you do any stress relieved given that you welded? If not, i assume residual stress would affect the structure overtime. I ve been asking this question on DIY facebook groups but havent received a good answer. Given that you are a physicist by trade I would love to hear your opinion on the matter.

Thank you!

One thing to think about is where the stress comes from - Its all about the cooling and contraction of the weld as it goes from hot hot hot to room temperature. This is effectively quite a short term process, once the stress is there, it will cause strain in the material resulting in some deflection. There isn't particularly any reason for this to change over the period of years.... And then of course, we go and epoxy level / scrape / machine the surfaces to make them flat, so that's all done once the strain is there and accounted for.

But always ground yourself in the practical world - its all too easy to get lost in theory and what-ifs. Experience trumps most of it. Plenty of people around here have welded frames, and I haven't seen anyone have an issue with stress. Just be sensible and tack weld everything slowly and move methodically around the frame to avoid building up heat too much before completing the full welds - but thats standard welding practice anyway.