A Comprehensive Welder Training and Certificate Program

WELDING DEFECTS

AWS Certified Welding Inspector

A weld defect can be defined as an irregularity, discontinuity, imperfection or inconsistency that renders the welded object unsuitable for its intended use.  FAILURE  The quality of welds are sometimes classified into three categories: Class A or Class I welds: Failure of the weld could result in a catastrophe such as the collapse of a structure, the explosion of a pressure vessel, severe injury or loss of human life in the malfunction of equipment. Class B or Class II welds: Failure of the weld could result in less severe consequences than a Class A or Class 1 weld; but could cause a substantial problem. Class C or Class III welds: Failure of the weld may be of minimum consequences.   The integrity of welds are assured through Quality Control programs conducted by highly educated or trained individuals such as Welding Engineers, Quality Control Engineers, Metallurgical Technicians, Non-Destructive Test and Mechanical Test Engineers, and Certified Welding Inspectors.  The Quality Control process may include: 1. Visual Inspection 2. Non Destructive Examination 3. Mechanical or Destructive Test * PDF * 4. Failure Analysis   1. Examining irregularities, discontinuities, imperfections, inconsistencies and classifying them as acceptable or as a weld defect. 2. Classifying the tolerance or acceptance level, the defect may be classified as rejectable. Usually this is specified in conjunction with a cognizant document, code or standard that is used to conduct the examination, test or inspection. 3. Classifying the defective weldment as reworkable, repairable or as rejectable scrap.  The key to good welding The key to producing sound weldments and to eliminating weld defects is to follow accepted welding procedures and to master the welding process variables. ====================================

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