Sun 21 Sep 2008
All metals can be joined by one welding process or another. There is is a saying, “If it’s metal, weld it,” and it is certainly true. This could be qualified by stating that all metals commercialy used for structural or strength parts are weldable. Some metals are easy to weld, and others are difficult. The metal that are easily weldable can be welded in thickness from the very thinnest, to the thickest produced. The difficult-to-weld metals require special procedures and techniques that must be developed for specific applicationts.
Some metals may never be welded or joined. The properties of metals provide information as to whether a metal can be welded. For example, mercury is a liquid at room temperature and cannot be welded, while sodium and potassium melt just below the temperature of boiling water and are of no use as a strength member and cannot be welded. In general, metals that have a low melting temperature or low strength would not be welded.
The physical and mechanical properties, availability, and price determine if a metal will be used in applications where welding is required. The more abundant and stronger metals are normally welded. The ratio of metals is important and it is believed that these ratios represent usage and are similar in most industrialized countries.