Hi Dale & JTMcC
I don't think that the statement was made to suggest that we could get by without welding. I think the idea was that if you can design a component with only half the welds, then that is a better option.
Like it or not, there is always the risk with welding that there is something wrong, that was not detected. As such, it is best to try to design components with as few welds as possible.
Not only does this approach reduce the risk of failure of the component, but also reduces cost.
I believe that all of us in the welding industry know this already. It would be unwize to purchase small pieces of metal and weld them together, when we could just buy a large piece without welds. It is basic economics, and productivity which we all use in our jobs.
I think that this piece of advice given to students was meant only in this context, not in a negative way towards welding as an industry, or the people involved in this industry.
Regards
Niekie Jooste