ABSTRACT
Most products are made by assembling a number of component parts, and many of these constituent items need to be joined together either permanently or in such a way that they can be subsequent taken apart again for maintenance or repair purposes. It is therefore essential that today’s design engineers are aware of the extensive range of joining methods readily available to modern industry and understand the fundamental principles involved in each process. The principal advantages and limitations of each technology should also be appreciated and joints designed accordingly.
