Tungsten inert gas welding (TIG) represents one of the most widely used metal joining processes in industry. Its propensity to generate a greater portion of welding fume particles at the nanoscale poses a potential occupational health hazard for workers. However, current literature lacks comprehensive characterization of TIG welding fume particles. Even less is known about welding fumes generat...

Spot welding is used extensively in the automotive industry. The quality of an individual welding spot is a major concern due to the heavy reliance on their use in the manufacture of cars. The main parameters that control the quality of a welding spot are current, voltage, welding force, welding time, and the quality of the welding electrodes. The condition of the welding electrodes plays a maj...

OBJECTIVES To study the airway response and its mechanism to welding fumes in six welders with respiratory symptoms. METHODS Methacholine and welding challenge tests were carried out. The concentration of welding fumes during the exposure test was measured. On two subjects who developed bronchoconstricition to welding challenge, additional tests were carried out including prick, patch, and in...

In the first European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS I), an excess asthma risk was associated with high exposure to gases and fumes, mineral and biological dusts. In a 9-year follow-up study (ECRHS II), the aim was to study if welding at work increases the risk of asthma symptoms, wheeze and chronic bronchitis symptoms. The study also aimed to identify specific welding risk factors....

Laser beam welding is becoming widely used in many industrial applications. This paper reviews recent research conducted on the performance, potential and problems of thick section butt joint laser welding. Common defects that occur in laser beam welding with high power laser welding are discussed and possible solutions proposed. Methods of welding process efficiency improvement are analyzed.