The Welding neck flanges is normally referred to as the high hub flange. It is designed to transfer stresses to the pipe, thereby reducing high stress concentrations at the base of the flange.

A weld neck flange (also known as a high-hub flange and tapered hub flange) is a type of flange. There are two designs. The regular type is used with pipes. The long type is unsuitable for pipes and is used in process plant. A weld neck flange consists of a circular fitting with a protruding rim around the circumference. Generally machined from a forging, these flanges are typically butt welded to a pipe. The rim has a series of drilled holes that permit the flange to be affixed to another flange with bolts.

The welding neck flange is the best designed butt-welded flange of those currently available because of its inherent structural value.