Welding

It is a fabrication process whereby two or more parts are fused together by means of heat, pressure or both forming a join as the parts cool. Welding is usually used on metals and thermoplastics but can also be used on wood. The completed welded joint may be referred to as a weldment.

Welding is a core activity in the fabrication factory, undertaken by skilled, qualified operatives working to a welding quality management system under the control of a Responsible Welding Coordinator. It is used to prepare joints for connection in the shop and on site, and for the attachment of other fixtures and fittings. Different welding techniques are used for different activities within the fabrication factory.

Essentially, the welding process uses an electric arc to generate heat to melt the parent material in the joint. A separate filler material supplied as a consumable electrode also melts and combines with the parent material to form a molten weld pool. As welding progresses along the joint, the weld pool solidifies fusing the parent and weld metal together. Several passes or runs may be required to fill the joint or to build up the weld to the design size.