Methods of Inspecting the Weld and its Quality

Welding is a part of several industries, such as aviation, construction, automobile, sugar, cement, steel, and so on, and thus requires adherence to quality weld inspection and proper weld testing guidelines to ensure the highest standards of safety and avoid any unfavourable incidents.

In this article, we will look at some popular and necessary weld inspection techniques and guidelines that should be followed to ensure durable, robust, and strong welding processes.

What is Weld Inspection?

Weld inspection or weld testing is a procedure that ensures proper and in-depth checks of the welding standard and quality by testing them through certain laid down inspection and assurance guidelines. These weld testing methods make sure that the welding method, joints, and end product are suitable for the listed purpose.

Importance of Weld Testing

Welding is a highly technical procedure that requires a detailed understanding of the techniques, creativity, patience, attention to detail, in-depth training, proper certifications, adherence to safety regulations, and so on. 

Weld testing is essential to check the sturdiness, strength, durability, and successful application of the welding process & the end product. Proper and quality weld inspection attests to the reliability of the welding process & provides an assurance that the products are safe to use.

Types of Weld Inspections and Tests

Let us understand the different types and methods of weld inspection and quality weld assurance:

VISUAL INSPECTION

The first and foremost way of weld testing is the basic visual inspection. Here, the quality of the weld is tested for any bends, cracks, craters, beads, excessive reinforcement, and any other flaws. If the welding process fails this initial visual weld inspection, it fails the test and is sent back for rewelding.

PHYSICAL WELD TESTING METHODS

Once the welding process passes the visual weld inspection, it is then put through the next round of quality checks. The further checks are divided into two major types:

1. Destructive Testing: These procedures include bending and tensile testing wherein the exhibited product is loaded until it breaks to derive the required data and load-bearing assurance. Destructive weld testing can either be carried out in a workshop or done in a laboratory, such as in corrosive, chemical, microscopic, and macroscopic tests.

Types of destructive weld testing processes:

• Nick Break Test

• Free Bend Test

• Back Bend Test

• Guided Bend Test

• Acid Etch Test

• Tensile Strength Test

  
  

2. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): These testing procedures check the weld quality without putting any stress or imparting any damage to the specimen product. NDTs are also known as Non-Destructive Inspections (NDIs) or Non-Destructive Examinations (NDEs) and include hydrostatic testing, x-rays, etc.

Types of Non-Destructive Testing processes for weld inspection:

• Magnetic Particle Test

• Hydrostatic Test

• Gamma Ray Test

• X-Ray Test

• Fluorescent Penetrant Dye Test

• Magnaflux Physical Weld Test

• Hardness Test

• Acoustic Emission Test

• Electromagnetic Eddy Current Test

• Ferrite Test

Conclusion

Ensuring quality welding processes and proper weld inspection procedures will lead to safer products and lower risks and accidents. To implement superior welding procedures you need to partner with a reliable manufacturer that offers state-of-the-art and dependable welding products and consumables. 

You can partner with D&H Sécheron, India’s leading welding consumables manufacturer with 57 years of experience in more than 30 industries. We provide a wide range of welding solutions, including reclamation welding consumables and conventional welding consumables.

Get in touch with us today for more details.