What is the primary purpose of peening during welding?

The primary purpose of peening during welding is to relieve stresses that can occur in the weld area. During the welding process, the rapid heating and cooling can introduce residual stresses in the metal, which may lead to warping, cracking, or other structural issues if not properly managed. Peening involves striking the weld surface with a tool or a hammer, which creates compressive stresses in the weld zone and helps to counteract the tensile stresses that could lead to defects over time.

By inducing compressive stress through peening, the weld's structural integrity is improved, enhancing its durability and performance. This technique is particularly important in critical applications where the welded structure will be subjected to dynamic or fluctuating loads.