An autogenous weld is best defined as?

An autogenous weld is defined as a type of welding process that is performed without the addition of any filler metal. This means that the weld is formed solely from the base materials being joined together under the influence of heat. The primary goal of an autogenous weld is to achieve a strong bond between the two pieces of metal while avoiding any potential issues that might arise from introducing a filler material, such as differences in composition or the introduction of impurities.

In certain applications, autogenous welding can provide advantages like reduced costs and the elimination of the need for additional materials, making it a preferred choice in situations where the base materials can be adequately fused together through the heat alone. This process is often used in specific welding techniques, such as laser welding or electron beam welding, where the heat source is concentrated to create high-quality joints.

The other options describe different aspects of welding processes but do not align with the definition of an autogenous weld. A weld made with filler metal involves adding additional material, which contradicts the concept of autogenous welding. A requirement for post-welding heat treatment pertains to certain types of welds aimed at relieving stresses or altering material properties, while special atmospheric conditions relate to specific welding processes but do not define an autogenous weld itself.