5. Post-welding actions

Once a joint has been made, it may be useful to intervene to compensate for deficiencies resulting from the intervention of certain metallurgical phenomena. For example, if necessary :

• modify the structural state of the metal in the joint and, in particular, refine the grains in the molten metal and in the superheated part of the ZAC;

• to develop a non-equilibrium structural state, in which case it is an income treatment;

• to reduce the level of residual stresses, i.e. relaxation;

• improve the geometry of the connection between the base metal and the molten metal;

• create residual stresses favorable to the mechanical strength (especially in fatigue) of the joint.