Instruction: Extract information from the supporting document to answer the given question.

Input:
Question: Are these links welded shut or simply compressed?
Document: The chain links really out perform a brush once the stuck food is larger in size. You almost need both a brush and a Ringer to depending on what you are trying to clean.
I&#8217;ve only used it a couple of times so far, but in each case it quickly removed stuck-on rice and veggies from my Dutch oven. As a bonus, all that stuck-on food simply washes off the Ringer when blasted with water, so the dishwasher is only needed if you see the Ringer needs an extra-special cleaning.
I really love this, even though I had to get my wire clippers and figure out how to cut off the metal disc. I would have liked to have kept the ring but I ended up just cutting the tiny links. The disc gets in the way when you use it. Other than that, I really love it. It's fun, it's effective and everyone wants to try it!
If you have cast iron and don't have one of these, you are working too hard to clean it. I use this on all my cast iron and it cleans it fast and easy. Better than one of those plastic scrubbers for sure. Gets my cast iron clean fast and I simply re-oil the pots and skillets and they are ready to cook again. Don't be without one.
Removes burnt bits, but leaves stainless steel shavings. I have to lightly wash my pan after using the Chainmail. Probably the metal has not been heat treated properly. (I've had this 6 months, used at least once a week.) The chain links have ground down a little. Maybe it will last a couple years at this rate.Scraping with a stainless steel spatula is almost just as effective.
works way better than using a brush IMO does not take off seasoning as DescribedProsmade a trip through the garbage disposal only a few bent links no big dealsaves seasoningconsSmall would have liked 8x8 or 10x10 willing to pay for a bigger size I have big hands and i found it folding in on its self but still gets the job doneRemoved the logo Tag got in the way Maybe they can add a larger ring and etch inside of it?
This is the best cleaning item in the house for sure.This beats any scouring pad I've ever used. It's stainless steel, so it won't rust, the gaps between the chainmail links are big enough to let food pass though (as opposed to a traditional pad where the food gets stuck in the pad), and the chainmail is scrubby enough to scrub anything.I just lay it over the drain basket to dry when done. Could be washed in the dishwasher, which I've also done.
While the pan is still warm, simply use warm water and The Ringer to clean off any cooked- or baked-on food. Wipe dry with a soft cloth and then touch up with a stable oil. Even the toughest cooked-on messes cleaned up with absolute minimal effort without scratching or marring the seasoning. I'm not easily impressed so when I say I love The Ringer, it's no exaggeration.
The best part of this one versus its competitors is the fact that the rings are welded. I have also run it several times through the dish washer and it always comes out pristine without a hint of rust. This will clearly last for years and does a fantastic job of scouring cast iron. The rings are small enough to get into even aggressive grooves on grill pans.
works great will hold up for years of great cooking,shipped fast and well made product thanks,,,will be using this alot
Answer: They must be welded although I can't see any weld marks because you cannot pull it apart.  Don't know for sure but this little piece of mesh is a wonder.  Kind of pricey, I thought, but sure glad I cracked and bought it because it does the trick.