The document provides an introduction to various joining processes and equipment used in manufacturing. It discusses that joining is needed to assemble components reliably and economically. The main joining categories are welding, adhesive bonding, and mechanical fastening. Welding processes involve partial melting and fusion between materials using heat. Some key welding techniques covered are oxyfuel welding, arc welding using consumable or nonconsumable electrodes, as well as laser beam and electron beam welding. Factors that influence weld quality such as porosity and slag inclusions are also summarized.