Question

How is a welding method selected during the manufacturing process? What are the considerations taken into account?

Answer 1

When multiple choices are available to select welding process to ac­complish a particular joint it is essential to base the final decision on sound reasoning which generally involves the following considerations: 1. Technical Considerations 2. Production Considerations 3. Economic Considerations.

1. Technical Considerations:

The major factors affecting technical considerations are the material properties, material thickness, joint design and accessibility as well as the welding position.

2. Production Considerations:

Production Considerations affecting process selection for weld joints may include shape and size of the workpiece, deposition rates, availability of consumables, maintenance of equipment required, smoke and spatter caused during operation, preheating and postweld treatment required, skill of operator required, mechanisation and automation possible, and compatibility with other processes.

3. Economic Considerations:

The whole gambit of setting up an engineering concern is the earning of profit and therefore the cost of a product has to be kept to a minimum consis­tent with the desired quality. Thus, in case two or more processes meet the technical and production requirements the cost of welding the job for each must be determined before making the final selection.