Current tasks and problems of welding production in Russia

Analysis of domestic and world experience shows that quality, reliability and safety of welded joints is determined by the entire 'structure-material-welding technology-welding equipment-inspection equipment-personnel' system. At present, the welding production of Russia is characterised by the following tendencies. The breakdown of the USSR and the complicated economic position of Russia and other countries of the CIS have resulted in a large reduction in the efficiency of governmental co-ordination and financing of scientific and technical investigations and programmes in the area of welding and allied technologies. For Russia, the beginning of the 21st century, (regardless of a number of large engineering projects), is characterised, because of the economic situation and rapid ageing of metal structures, by the preferential renovation of structures and installations with increased risk, including wide application of welding reconditioning technologies. Together with negative tendencies, there have also been positive tendencies. The market economy supports the formation of a large number of private enterprises, i.e. producers of welding products and the utilisation of achievements of military industry for civil applications, i.e. conversion.