The Institute was founded in 1934, has become one of the largest research institutes in the world with about 8,000 employees (3,000 at the headquarters in Kiev). The E.O. Paton Electric Welding Institute is a multi-disciplinary scientific-and-technical complex involved in fundamental and applied research in the field of welding and related technologies, development of technologies, materials, equipment and control systems, rational welded structures and parts, methods and means for diagnostics and non-destructive testing.

>Scientists of the Institute made significant advances in theoretical and experimental investigations into physics of the arc discharge,  low-temperature plasma; energy conversion using different methods of welding, melting and solidification of metal; elaboration of the principles of physical chemistry and hydrodynamics of welding and electrometallurgical processes, processes of evaporation and condensation in vacuum; evaluation of strength of welded joints under different types of loading; working out of scientific bases for improving reliability and durability of welded structures and development of new welding technologies, materials and equipment.

Results of these investigations have been implemented in specific technologies, advanced materials and structures and unique equipment. Authors of of the monthly«Avtomaticheskaya Svarka» journal published in Russian since 1948 by the E.O. Paton Electric Welding Institute and english translation«The Paton Welding Journal»^* are the leading scientists and experts from the  Institute, as well as from many other institutions and companies of Ukraine, Russia and other countries.

The institute's scientists and engineers work cooperatively with many institutions internationally, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), ABS, and the American Welding Society. Their experience includes military, space, and civil structures such as bridges and offshore structures, as well as temperature extremes and high radiation applications. The institute maintains a close relationship with industry, assisting in the development of new materials and surface treatments

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

The institute undertakes research in all phases of electric welding and certain specialized related processes such as brazing, explosive forming, electrometallurgy, and friction welding. The institute's work covers welding of virtually all metals and alloys as well as ceramics in thicknesses varying from submicron to tens of centimeters.  In addition to research in the welding processes, the institute also develops welding equipment, manufactures pilot plants, and develops welding consumables. These efforts are carried out in special centers at other locations.

The E.O. Paton Electric Welding Institute is involved in several research and development projects, including:

• Research in electric (arc, resistance, electron beam, magnetic pulse, etc.) welding of metals, metal-based composites(principally aluminum matrix), and ceramics.
• Large scale explosive forming.
• Vacuum brazing of dissimilar materials, such as titanium to steel.
• Plasma coating processes to improve corrosion and erosion resistance of metals and ceramics, with special processes to control thicknesses to a micron or less.
• Advanced nondestructive testing techniques.
• A special titanium department where engineers weld thicknesses that are 400 mm and thicker.
• Electroslag casting operations for manufacturing difficult-to-fabricate alloys and metals of great purity.
• Use of both field and shop techniques in welding and manufacturing joints for offshore platforms.