It is impossible to make a complete verification of a welded joint without destroying it. As such, inspection after completion does not guarantee weld serviceability. Quality must be built into the weld, with inspections carried out prior, during, and after welding. By maintaining detailed records of inspections and nonconformance issues, manufacturers can deliver quality welded products, and convert every non-conformance issue into an opportunity for improvement.
Elements to Consider in Inspection and Testing Before Welding
Fabricators should consider the following elements related to inspection and testing before welding:
- The qualifications held by welding personnel
- The suitability of the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS), including any special requirements outline in the WPS (such as preventing distortion)
- The type of parent material(s) and welding consumables used
- Joint preparation, including shape, location and dimension
- Fit-up, jigging and tacking
- Environmental conditions that may affect the suitability of working conditions
Elements to Consider in Inspection and Testing During Welding
Fabricators should consider the following elements related to inspection and testing during welding:
- Welding sequence and parameters (such as current, arc voltage and travel speed)
- Preheat and interpass temperatures
- Cleaning and back gouging requirements
- Selection, use and handling of consumables
- Distortion control
- Intermediate examinations
Elements to Consider in Inspection and Testing After Welding
Fabricators should consider the following elements related to inspection and testing after welding:
- Visual inspection, particularly for completeness, dimensions and shape
- Non-destructive or destructive testing
- The form, shape, tolerance and dimensions
- Post-weld procedures, including heat treatment and ageing
Are You Ready for AS/NZS ISO 3834 Certification?
To determine if your company is ready for certification, ask yourself:
- Do you carry out in depth inspections before welding, taking into consideration the elements above?
- Do you carry out in depth inspections during welding, taking into consideration the elements above?
- Do you carry out in depth inspections after welding, taking into consideration the elements above?
How to Get Certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834
Ready to have your organisation certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834? You can:
