Metallurgical Joining in the Modern Era: Techniques, Principles, and Applications in Welding
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64229/4m2rkp09Keywords:
Advanced metallurgical joining techniques, Automated welding technologies, Weld quality assessment, Hybrid and solid-state welding processesAbstract
Welding represents a fundamental metallurgical process that has profoundly transformed modern industry, facilitating the fabrication of intricate structural components, transportation systems, and critical infrastructure. This comprehensive review traces the historical evolution of welding, from early metalworking techniques to contemporary advancements in high-precision, automated methodologies. An in-depth examination of diverse welding techniques including arc welding [Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)], resistance welding, gas welding, and advanced energy beam processes [Laser Beam Welding (LBW), Electron Beam Welding (EBW)] is presented, with a focus on their underlying principles, industrial applications, and technological progressions. Furthermore, solid-state welding processes, such as friction and diffusion welding, are analyzed, underscoring their significance in aerospace, automotive, and high-performance engineering sectors. The study also evaluates prevalent welding defects, quality assessment methodologies (destructive and non-destructive testing), and recent innovations, such as artificial intelligence-driven welding optimization and hybrid welding approaches. With continuous advancements in automation, shielding gas technologies, and real-time monitoring systems, welding remains an indispensable pillar of industrial manufacturing. Future research should prioritize the enhancement of process efficiency, the refinement of weld integrity, and the development of sustainable, high-performance welding solutions to address the evolving demands of modern engineering and fabrication industries.
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