The lecture traces the development and growth of welding technology since 1800 with optimism about the future of this technology. An overview of various types of power sources and aids for welding automation is also made.

Prof. Placid Rodriquez Memorial Lecture 2009 :
Delivered by
M. Vasudevan
Materials Technology Division, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam on
"Advances in Arc Welding Technology of Austenitic Stainless Steels"
during the Inaugural Session of the National Welding Seminar, 2009-10 held on 10-12th December 2009 at the Park Hotel, Kolkata.

Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research [ IGCAR ] is one of the premier research centre in India for material joining . The lecture highlights the recent achievements of the centre in the area of welding of austenitic stainless steel . Successful implementation of A – TIG and use of different mathematical models for prediction of ferrite number , solidification mode , slag detachability and process optimization have been discussed.

ESAB India Award: best technical paper presented in NWS 2008 for a work done in India
Presented by
M/s.Mitul Patel, R.H.Madnani, B.J.Chauhan and S.Sundaresan (L & T , Vadodara)
“Application Of Electroslag Strip Cladding For Reactors In Hydrogen Based Refinery Service”

Austenitic stainless steel overlays on carbon or low alloy steel is necessary to protect hydroprocessing reactors in refineries from high temperature environmental effects. For large size reactors electroslag strip cladding process is having an advantage over other processes due to reliable joint quality and cost – effectiveness. The paper deals with establishment of process parameters for electro-slag strip cladding in fabrication of large reactors for hydrogen service.