What heat-affected zone means
The heat-affected zone is the band of base metal beside a weld that did not melt but got hot enough to change its structure. Depending on the metal and the heat input it can come out harder, more brittle or weaker than the rest of the part.
Also called HAZ.
Where it matters on a welding job
It matters most on hardened parts, thin stainless, aluminum and anything that carries a load. Cracks on repaired equipment often start in this zone, so ask what the part does and what it is made of before you promise a repair will hold.
Work it out
- Free calculator: Welding shop rate calculator
- Tools, templates and guides: Free welding resources
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