Many years ago, while attending a TWI course on fracture mechanics, a metallurgist remarked, “Welding is a horrible thing to do to a piece of metal.” At the time, I thought that was a bit harsh! But, in hindsight, she may have had a point. Welding was a huge advance in material joining technology when electric arc welding arrived in the late 1800’s and early twentieth century. Think of all those ships and boilers that had to be riveted together beforehand. Today steam punk advocates still like the riveted look, but it’s highly unlikely we’d go back to riveting and caulking boiler plate together again.
As a Mechanical Engineer, I have a basic appreciation that welding involves fusing two materials – such as metal plates – into a single, unified piece.
Those plates are supplied to exacting standards, which have controlled composition, uniform grain structures and supplied with guaranteed mechanical properties. Then we disrupt everything by introducing a pool of molten metal and simply assuming it will hold together flawlessly.
Residual stress, inclusions, porosity and lack of fusion are just a few examples than can all weaken the joint. The speed and convenience of welding is too useful for industry to ignore, but the problems that can occur without application of skill, procedures and knowledge can cause major structural issues. Problems with welds can shut down power plants, delay major construction projects by millions of pounds, and in the most severe cases, lead to structural collapse with serious risks to life. That’s why welding technologies are considered a scientific discipline in their own right.
At AXIOM, we take welding integrity seriously. Our team of highly skilled metallurgists and welding engineers offers expert consultancy services designed to prevent welding-related issues before they arise. From comprehensive reviews of welding documentation to the strategic application of non-destructive examination techniques, we help ensure quality and compliance at every stage. We also specialize in failure analysis of welds, identifying root causes and providing actionable insights to safeguard structural integrity and project timelines. With AXIOM, you can trust that your welding challenges are in capable hands.