the characteristics of a weld made by electron beam welding are improved by introducing into the region of the pieces to be welded , which is subjected to remelting during welding , a material which is obtained by applying an arc welding process , or a process for remelting under slag , to a mild or slightly alloyed steel . the introduction of the material into the region of the weld increases the production of acicular ferrite which increases the tensile strength of the weld . the material may be introduced by providing a deposit of it over part or the whole of the surface of one or both of the pieces to be welded , by introducing a mass of it between the surfaces to be welded or as a filler wire .