Previous studies have suggested that weld microstructure may be modi ed by the presence of static stresses. In this investigation, vibratory stress was applied to mild steel specimens while they were being welded to observe its effect on the residual stress, microstructure and hardness of the material. Residual stresses were found to decrease in response to vibration whether it was applied during welding or after welding. It was found that the applied stress in uenced the grain growth process in the weld. As a result of the treatment the hardness of the material was found to be increased by 25 per cent.