Welding and joining technologies for metallic materials have played a fundamental role in the development of numerous industries, from aerospace and automotive to energy and beyond. These processes enable the creation of complex components and are essential to ensuring the mechanical integrity and reliability of structures. The relationship between the microstructure of welded joints and their mechanical properties holds the key to optimizing joint strength, durability, and overall performance, particularly in the demanding conditions encountered in modern applications. In recent years, rapid advancements in welding techniques and the emergence of new materials have expanded the scope of research needed to optimize these processes. However, these innovations also present new challenges, particularly in understanding the interactions between welding parameters, microstructural evolution, and mechanical performance. Bridging the gap between fundamental scientific research and practical industrial applications requires an ongoing, in-depth investigation. The reprint Welding and Joining of Metallic Materials: Microstructure and Mechanical Properties addresses this need by bringing together a collection of ten research articles. Through a combination of experimental studies, numerical simulations, and process optimizations, the authors provide valuable insights into recent advances in welding technologies. This reprint is divided into three key areas of research. The first set of papers focuses on process optimization and the development of advanced welding techniques, offering novel approaches to enhancing weld quality, energy efficiency, and mechanical properties. The second set deals with the microstructural evolution of welded joints and its impact on material performance, mainly in relation to strength and corrosion resistance. Finally, the third set of studies addresses the complexities of welding dissimilar materials, highlighting strategies to overcome the challenges associated with joining dissimilar alloys. The Guest Editors express their gratitude to the authors for their significant contributions and to the Peer Reviewers for ensuring the quality of each paper. This reprint would not have been possible without their commitment and expertise.
