hitsaamalla

Hitsaamalla is a method of joining metal parts by heating the interfaces to the point of fusion, with or without the addition of a filler material, and allowing the joint to cool to form a solid bond. It is one of the fundamental metalworking joining processes, used to create strong, permanent connections in a wide range of metals and thicknesses.

Welding methods include arc welding (manual metal arc, shielded metal arc welding; also MIG/MAG and TIG), oxy-fuel gas welding, resistance welding, and advanced techniques such as laser and electron-beam welding. The choice depends on material, thickness, joint design, required strength, and production conditions. Some processes add filler metal; others rely on the base metals to fuse.

Applications span structural fabrication, pipelines, automotive and aerospace manufacturing, shipbuilding, repair work, and artistic metalwork. Welding can produce strong, leak-tight joints when performed correctly and is especially common for steel, aluminum, and many alloys.

Safety and quality: Welding generates heat, ultraviolet radiation, fumes, and noise. Proper ventilation, personal protective equipment, and training are essential. Quality is assessed by visual inspection and nondestructive testing; common defects include porosity, cracks, and lack of fusion. Preparation of joints, cleaning of surfaces, and correct shielding gas or shielding method are critical to success.

Etymology: In Finnish, hitsaamalla is formed from the root hitsa- (to weld) with the -amalla suffix to indicate method, yielding “by welding.” In English usage, the term is translated as “by welding” or simply “welding.”