How must welding flanges be created from material?

Welding flanges are typically created from materials that can withstand high temperatures and pressures, which is essential for their function in piping systems and structural applications. Steel is a preferred choice due to its strength and durability. It can be fabricated either by forging, which involves shaping the steel while it's in a heated state, or by cutting from steel plates, which allows for precise dimensions and profiles necessary for effective sealing and joining.

Forging enhances the material properties, resulting in a flange with improved strength and resistance to fatigue, making it suitable for demanding applications. In addition, cutting from steel plate allows for a wide range of sizes and shapes to be produced as needed.

Although aluminum sheets can be used for flanges in certain applications, they generally do not provide the same level of strength and pressure resistance as steel. Cast iron may be used for some flanged connectors, but it is typically less ductile and more brittle, limiting its applications. Plastic composites, on the other hand, lack the structural integrity required for most welding applications. Therefore, the combination of either forging steel or cutting steel plate is the most suitable choice for creating reliable welding flanges.