ECSC research into weldability carried out in the last ten years

Abstract

The paper illustrates the research carried out with ECSC financial support in the decade 1976–86 by various laboratories and institutes in countries belonging to the European Community, in the field of the welding and weldability of different steels.

The industrial impact of the research is underlined, particularly with regard to the possibility of making greater use of the characteristics of modern steels, in order to achieve improved quality, productivity and economy in welded constructions.

The importance of each piece of research for the study of heat affected zones (HAZs) and of fusion zone behaviour in welded joints is illustrated, and further research now in progress is also mentioned.

Finally, attention is drawn to the need to promote, through the appropriate development of European standards and regulations and by the drawing up of suitable guidelines for designers, users and manufacturers, knowledge of the possibilities of new steels in order to achieve further development and competitiveness in welded steel constructions.