Fusion welding is a generic term for welding processes that rely on melting to join materials of similar compositions and melting points.[1] Due to the high-temperature phase transitions inherent to these processes, a heat-affected zone is created in the material[1]: 755 (although some techniques, like beam welding, often minimize this effect by introducing comparatively little heat into the workpiece[2]).
In contrast to fusion welding, solid-state welding does not involve the melting of materials.
- ^ a b Schey, John A. (2000) [1977], Introduction to Manufacturing Processes, McGraw-Hill series in mechanical engineering and materials science (3rd ed.), McGraw-Hill Higher Education, ISBN 978-0-07-031136-7, retrieved May 15, 2010,
In the great majority of applications, the interatomic bond is established by melting. When the workpiece materials (base or parent materials) and the filler (if used at all) have similar but not necessarily identical compositions and melting points, the process is referred to as fusion welding or simply welding.
- ^ Bull, Steve (March 16, 2000), "Fusion Welding Processes", MMM373 Joining Technology course website, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom: Newcastle University School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, archived from the original on September 11, 2007, retrieved May 16, 2010