What is classified as the material that will be welded?

The material that will be welded is classified as the base metal. This is often referred to as the substrate, which is the primary material upon which the welding operation is performed. The base metal serves as the foundation for the weld and plays a critical role in determining the properties of the final welded joint.

Understanding the base metal is essential because it influences the welding parameters, such as temperature, filler material compatibility, and the overall mechanical properties of the weld. For instance, different base metals have varying melting points, thermal conductivities, and weldability characteristics, all of which affect how the welding process should be carried out.

In contrast, welding consumables might refer to materials consumed during the welding process but do not encompass the structural material being welded. Filler metal is a type of welding consumable specifically used to fill the joint between the base metals, and welding equipment refers to the tools and machinery utilized in the welding process itself.