How does heating differ from welding?

Heating differs from welding primarily in that heating does not necessarily result in a bond between materials, whereas welding inherently creates a fusion bond. In welding, the process involves methods that join two or more pieces of metal by melting them together, often with the addition of a filler material, to form a solid connection once cooled. This fusion is the essence of welding, resulting in a permanent and strong joint.

Conversely, heating can refer to any increase in temperature of materials, which may not lead to any joining or bonding at all. For instance, heating metal may prepare it for other processes, such as forging or bending, without altering its integrity in a way that creates a bond with other materials. Therefore, the key distinction lies in the purpose and result of the action; welding always aims to create a bond, while heating does not.