hitsaustavan

Hitsaustavan, in Finnish, literally "the welding method", refers to the technical process used to join materials by creating coalescence through localized heating, pressure, or both. Welding typically fuses the base metals and often uses a filler material. It differs from brazing and soldering, which join with a lower melting point filler and no full fusion of the base metals.

Most welding methods are categorized by energy source: arc welding (including shielded metal arc welding SMAW, gas metal arc welding GMAW/MIG, gas tungsten arc welding GTAW/TIG, flux-cored FCAW, submerged arc SAW); resistance welding (spot and seam); and advanced methods such as laser beam welding, electron beam welding, friction welding, and ultrasonic welding. Some methods are solid-state (like friction and ultrasonic) and others are fusion-based.

Materials: Welding is common for steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium, as well as certain plastics and composite materials with appropriate filler and joint design. Applications span construction, automotive, shipbuilding, aerospace, and appliance manufacturing, where weld quality, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance are critical.

Key considerations include joint design, preparation, filler selection, preheating, post-weld heat treatment, and control of heat input to minimize distortion and the heat-affected zone. Achieving sound welds requires proper process selection, skilled operation, and adequate inspection, including visual checks and non-destructive testing.

Safety and standards: Welding involves hazards such as arc radiation, fumes, burns, and flying particles. Protective equipment, ventilation, and proper training are essential. International standards and codes, such as ISO and AWS guidelines, govern process qualification, welding procedure specifications, and inspection practices.