scope:

SCOPE OF WELDING

Welding engineering is a complex science, involving design and design details, metallurgy, the production aspects of the various welding processes, and inspection. Design involves the selection of joint types, weld types, sizing of welds, and selection of the required weld metal strength, as well as the base metal grades and types. Design details include weld access holes, copes, backing, one-sided versus two-sided welds, groove weld geometries-V versus bevel, for example-and weld tabs. Metallurgy addresses material composition, physical and mechanical properties, compatibility of materials, preheat for welding, interpass temperature, analysis of weld cracking, and whether post-weld heat treatments will be required. Selecting the best welding process for a given application is a complex issue that may result in different correct choices depending upon the particular circumstances of a specific aspect of a project. Inspection of welds ranges from visual to nondestructive processes, such as radiographic and ultrasonic testing. All of these elements of welding may have a significant effect on a completed project and this Guide addresses each of these aspects in a systematic manner.