Selection of the Joining Process

The selection of the joining process for a particular job depends upon many factors. No one specific rule
controls the welding process to be selected for a certain job. Following are a few of the factors that must
be considered when choosing a joining process.

Availability of equipmentThe types, capacity, and condition of equipment that can be used to
make the welds.
Repetitiveness of the operationHow many of the welds will be required to complete the job,
and are they all the same?
Quality requirementsIs this weld going to be used on a piece of furniture, to repair a piece of
equipment, or to join a pipeline?
Location of workWill the weld be in a shop or on a remote job site?
Materials to be joinedAre the parts made out of a standard metal or some exotic alloy?
Appearance of the finished productWill this be a weldment that is needed only to test an idea,
or will it be a permanent structure?
Size of the parts to be joinedAre the parts small, large, or different sizes, and can they be
moved or must they be welded in place?
Time available for workIs this a rush job needing a fast repair, or is there time to allow for pre-
and post-weld cleanup?
Skill or experience of workersDo the welders have the ability to do the job?
Cost of materialsWill the weldment be worth the expense of special equipment materials or
finishing time?
Code or specification requirementsOften the selection of the process is dictated by the
governing agency, codes, or standards. The welding engineer and/or the welder must not only
decide on the welding process but must also select the method of applying it.

The following methods are used to perform welding, cutting, or brazing operations.

ManualThe welder is required to manipulate the entire process.

SemiautomaticThe filler metal is added automatically, and all other manipulation is done
manually by the welder.
MachineOperations are done mechanically under the observation and correction of a welding
operator.
AutomaticOperations are performed repeatedly by a machine that has been programmed to
do an entire operation without interaction of the operator.
AutomatedOperations are performed repeatedly by a robot or other machine that is
programmed flexibly to do a variety of processes.