ABSTRACT
In the welding process, it is common for two or more parts to be fused together through the use of heat, pressure, or both, which results in a joint as the parts cool after fusion. As a means of joining steel components together, welding is one of the most common methods of joining steel components together in the fabrication of steel piping, equipment, and structures. There is no doubt that welding can be a dangerous occupation if safety guidelines are not followed. A number of hazards can arise for welders if safety measures are not observed, including exposure to harmful fumes, gases, electric shocks, fires, and explosions, which can all lead to a variety of injuries. A variety of common types of welding are covered in this chapter, including arc welding and gas welding. Various reasons that lead to welding failure are discussed in this chapter, along with the most commonly occurring welding defects. A final section discusses different methods of nondestructive testing that are used to inspect and test weld joints.
