The craft of welding is the joining of material, usually metals, to produce finished produces like long pipes, beams and even ships.

Welders join together metals by melting and liquefying the sections to be joined with heat. These sections are united while liquefied.

Once solidified, a strong bond has formed, uniting the separate pieces. Knowledge of different processes, the characteristics of metals and safety procedures are all extremely important for the skilled welder.

There are several different types of welding, depending on the energy source. Examples include gas, electric arc, laser and ultrasound welding.

Welding can also be done in many different locations including under water and in outer space!

Fast Facts

The earliest recorded welds occurred in 3,500 B.C., the Bronze-Age. Pictures of welders and their ancient tools have been discovered in long-sealed Egyptian tombs!
Source: Careersinwelding.com

If two pieces of metal touch in space, they become permanently stuck together. This doesn’t happen on Earth because the atmosphere puts a layer of oxidized material between the surfaces.
Source: Careersinwelding.com

Racing cars, bridges, ships, computers, oilrigs, mobile phones, scooters and MP3 players all rely on welding.
Source: Careersinwelding.com

Featured Competitor

Marine Bregeon

Nation: France
Competition: 2009
Skill: Welding

Why Welding?

I enjoy the physical work and I find it dynamic and interesting as well.

Results

Gold Medal	Silver Medal	Bronze Medal
Hyeon Woo Kim Korea	Guy Brooks Australia Xianfeng Pei China Bradley Clink United States of America	Lucas Filgueira Brazil Jake Rambaldini United Kingdom