Rosenhain Centenary Conference - 2. Design implications for materials selection 2.5 Weldability and its implications for materials requirements

Abstract

The potential economic and technological advantages of welding over other joining techniques have made it the principal fabrication process for a wide range of engineering products. However, the achievement of good weldability makes demands on material quality which the material supplier must optimize with the required mechanical behaviour and an acceptable cost. The physical metallurgist has contributed significantly m providing a sound basis for materials selection based on an understanding of the potential welding problems and the factors responsible for them. The principal welding problems in steels, nickel alloys, aluminium alloys and titanium alloys are briefly outlined and the influence on material specifications discussed.