Manufacturing process

Welding & Joining

Welding and joining create permanent connections between metal parts — from robot-welded series brackets to code-controlled welds on pressure equipment and structures.

Process overview

Welding and joining processes create permanent connections between components for fabricated structures, machinery, pressure-containing equipment and precision assemblies. Suitable methods depend on base material, thickness, joint geometry, accessibility and required mechanical performance. Projects may specify weld procedures, qualifications, inspection methods, dimensional control and applicable standards.

Arc welding processes dominate industrial work. MIG/MAG welding is productive for steel and aluminium fabrication and is widely automated with robots; TIG welding gives precise, clean welds on stainless steel, aluminium and thin sections; submerged-arc and flux-cored processes suit thick plate. Resistance spot welding joins sheet-metal assemblies in automotive and appliance production, while laser welding offers low distortion and high speed on precision parts.

Weld quality depends as much on procedures and people as on equipment. For regulated or safety-relevant work, welding is controlled through qualified welding procedures (WPS/PQR), qualified welders and inspection to defined quality levels such as those in ISO 5817. Depending on the application, buyers may also look for a welding quality system such as ISO 3834, or EN 1090 execution classes for structural components.

Distortion, heat-affected zones and access for inspection all need attention in design. Joint preparation, welding sequence and fixturing decide whether a welded part holds its dimensions or needs straightening and machining afterwards.

Typical capabilities & what manufacturers can produce

What manufacturers can produce

  • Welded frames, bases and brackets
  • Stainless steel tanks, piping and hygienic assemblies
  • Aluminium welded structures and housings
  • Robot-welded series parts and sub-assemblies
  • Spot-welded sheet-metal assemblies
  • Laser-welded precision and hermetic joints

Capabilities under this process

Suitable materials

Materials commonly used with this process — an editorial reference, not a statement about facilities in the Metraxio network. Suitability always depends on the part and its application.

Relevant industries

Industries whose Metraxio industry guides list Welding & Joining as a common process, with the typical use in each.

What buyers should specify

The details that make Welding & Joining quotes comparable and let facilities be assessed on the right criteria.

Drawings with weld symbols
Joint type, size and length (ISO 2553 or AWS A2.4), and which welds are critical.
Base materials and thickness
For example S355, stainless 1.4404 or aluminium 5083, including any dissimilar-metal joints.
Welding process
If required — for example TIG on visible stainless or robotic MAG for series parts — otherwise left open.
Quality level and standard
ISO 5817 level, EN 1090 execution class, ASME IX or AWS D1.1, as applicable.
Weld inspection
Visual, PT, MT, UT or RT — scope and acceptance criteria.
Post-weld treatment
Grinding, pickling and passivation, stress relieving, or machining after welding.
Qualification records
WPS/PQR and welder qualification certificates, if the customer requires them.

On Metraxio these details become a structured manufacturing requirement. Processes, capabilities, materials, certifications and part size are checked against facility profiles; tolerances, finishes and inspection details travel with your drawings and are reviewed during quoting rather than used as automatic filters.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need ISO 3834 or EN 1090?

It depends on the product and market. EN 1090 applies to structural steel and aluminium components placed on the EU market; ISO 3834 is a welding quality standard often requested for pressure equipment and critical fabrication. Many other welded parts need neither.

MIG/MAG or TIG welding?

MIG/MAG is faster and suits production welding of thicker sections; TIG is slower but gives more control and cleaner welds on thin, stainless or visible joints.

How are welds inspected?

Visual inspection is standard. Surface methods (PT, MT) and volumetric methods (UT, RT) are added according to the design code or customer specification.

Start a Manufacturing Project

Upload a drawing or describe what you need. Process context from this page can be reviewed before it becomes a structured requirement.

Suggested process is prefilled for review — you can change it.