Welded components for machines. Processes, definitions and quality rules

Welding has been used for more than a century, and is now a material joining technique used in all sectors of modern construction, including mechanical parts.

However insignificant the operation may still appear to some designers of mechanical assemblies, welding is nonetheless an operation that brings into play multiple physical processes whose consequences are fundamental to the durability of the connection in service.

In view of the sheer diversity of joining processes and the ever-increasing range of metallic materials to which welding can be applied, it is essential to include a minimum of reminders and definitions in this first article. However, these are focused on the fields of design-calculation, choice of materials, manufacturing, treatment and non-destructive testing of welded mechanical parts.