Overview

As a welder you visually inspect your welds all the time. What are you looking for in your welds? Are you looking for specific weld bead shape, spacing, color, or more? Depending upon the end use, sometimes a visual inspection by the welder is all that is needed, i.e. lawn art, knicknacks, and other decorative small items. For code welds, the applicable welding code or standard will specify the required inspection method(s). As a welder you need to know which inspection methods will be used, such as magnetic particle (MT), because it requires the removal of weld spatter to work properly. Welding symbols may contain the inspection technique and standards used for inspection; even though you will not be performing the inspection you still need to know how to read the welding symbol to determine what you need to do as a welder and what is the responsibility of the welding inspector.

This chapter covers common inspection techniques employed in industry today. Both destructive and nondestructive tests are covered. Sometimes the words examination and tests are used interchangeably. There is an important difference: testing refers to the test itself while examination refers to the test and the interpretation of the test results. For the most part the interpretation of the test results is beyond the scope of this text with the exception of visual testing (VT). VT is the least expensive and most widely used inspection method for welding. There are numerous inspection techniques and variations, this chapter is aimed to provide you with the basic knowledge of the techniques employed by inspectors. If you are interested in becoming an inspector you are highly encouraged to explore the rewarding career opportunities that are available.

Attributions

1. Chapter opening image: CGD Process by United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the Public Domain; United States government work