In boilermaking, what does the term 'welding' refer to?

The term 'welding' in boilermaking specifically refers to connecting two pieces of metal using heat. This process is crucial in the construction and assembly of boilers and various metal structures, as it provides a strong and permanent bond between the materials. Welding involves melting the edges of the metal pieces to be joined together and often adding a filler material in order to create a strong joint after the molten sections cool and solidify.

This definition highlights why welding is fundamental to the boilermaking trade, as the integrity and safety of the boiler depend significantly on the quality of the welds. Other options, such as cutting metal into shapes, assembling components using screws, and testing the integrity of materials, each refer to different processes that are not the same as welding. Cutting involves shaping materials, assembling focuses on mechanical connections without the use of heat, and testing refers to verifying the strength and quality of materials rather than joining them together.