Hitsaus

Hitsaus (welding) is a fabrication process that joins materials—typically metals—by heating them to fusion, or by applying pressure, often with filler material. Unlike soldering or brazing, welding fuses the base materials at the joint, creating a single, continuous structure.

Common methods fall into several families: arc welding (SMAW, GMAW/MIG, GTAW/TIG, FCAW), resistance welding (spot, seam), and energy-beam welding (laser, electron-beam). Friction-based and ultrasonic welding are used for specialized applications.

Welded materials are mainly ferrous and non-ferrous metals, such as steel and aluminum alloys; some plastics can be welded with specialized processes. Process variables include shielding gas, filler metal, current, travel speed, joint design, fit-up, and temperature management.

Safety and quality are central concerns: welding generates heat, bright UV light, fumes, and radiation, requiring PPE and adequate ventilation. Quality is governed by standards (for example ISO 3834, ISO 9606, AWS) and verified by nondestructive testing (radiography, ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle, dye penetrant) and visual inspection.

Welding supports construction, shipbuilding, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. The field has evolved with automation, robotics, and new processes that improve speed, repeatability, and joint performance, while addressing material diversity and structural requirements.