•   The joint design incorporated into an application depends on the performance requirements of the part.

•   Parts requiring a structural weld can use a flat-to-flat or flat-to-groove joint design.

•   Parts requiring a hermetic seal that must withstand high internal pressures will use a tongue and groove joint design.

•   The symmetrical tongue and groove and step joints can be considered for applications with geometrical restraints.

•   The most common joint design, the tongue and groove, is also the most versatile.