5. Requirements for product use

The requirements for use are adapted to each type of application, but there are a number of common points. They concern the search for improved performance, weight reduction, reliability, safety, environmental protection and sustainable development:

• in some cases, parts reliability is the number 1 requirement, as it is for many mechanical parts;

• safety: examples include nuclear reactor vessels, ships, marine platforms and buildings;

• the quest for performance applies to gas pipelines and special steels;

• weight reduction is one of the main objectives in the automotive industry;

• More and more attention is being paid to the assembly of parts, whether they are made of the same or different materials, and the study...