Which characteristic does welding have that makes it different from other joining processes?

Welding is distinguished from other joining processes primarily due to its high bonding strength. This characteristic arises from the fact that welding typically involves melting the base materials at their joining interface, allowing them to fuse together as the molten material cools and solidifies. As a result, a welded joint can achieve a bond that is often as strong or even stronger than the original materials, which is a crucial aspect in applications where structural integrity is paramount.

In contrast, processes that utilize filler material or adhesives may not reach the same level of strength because they often rely on bond formation at a lower temperature or through chemical adhesion, which can be less effective than the atomic-level fusion that occurs in welding. Furthermore, while welding can be fast, it is the strength of the joint created that sets it apart as a preferred method for applications requiring robust and durable connections.