What does the welding process do?

The welding process is primarily about joining materials through melting at their interfaces. During welding, heat is applied to the materials being joined, which causes them to reach a temperature where they melt. This molten state allows the materials to fuse together as they cool, creating a strong joint. The integrity of this joint is crucial as welding is commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and repair applications where strength and durability are necessary.

Other processes, like shaping materials under heat, might involve methods such as forging or casting, but they do not specifically refer to the melding of two or more components as welding does. The creation of hollow parts using air relates more to processes like blow molding, which is different from the direct joining of materials. The formation of layers into composites pertains to materials science and involves combining different materials without necessarily melting them together, unlike the welding process. Thus, the defining characteristic of welding is the melting and fusing of surfaces to create a solid joint, making the chosen answer the most accurate description of the welding process.