Weld imperfections can undermine the stability of the entire construction and must therefore be removed. Flame gouging, one of the flame process, can be used to remove the imperfection before rewelding. To remove only a surface layer, flame cleaning is the preferred method.
Another flame process, flame straightening, can be used effectively to correct distortions. If carried out by an experienced worker with the proper equipment, a considerable amount of money can be saved by straightening the distortion instead of producing a new component.
To adapt the size of the steel components, the arc process, plasma cutting, or the flame process, oxy-fuel cutting, are frequently used. Oxy-fuel is a flexible process, since the energy required to run the process is a gas (oxygen). Plasma cutting, on the other hand, offers greater flexibility with respect to materials to be cut.
Of the laser processes, laser cutting can be used for cutting all types of materials, but is limited with regard to material thickness.
For joining of components, MIG, TIG, and plasma welding, the arc processes, are applicable. With proper equipment and know-how, high welding speeds and large material deposition rates reduce production costs during MAG welding.