WELD AND BASE METAL DISCONTINUITIES

Weld discontinuities are interruptions of the typical structure of a weldment such as a lack of
continuity in its physical, metallurgical, or mechanical characteristics. Discontinuities may be
found in the weld metal, the heat affected zone and the base metal. Discontinuities that exceed
established acceptance standards are termed "defects".
Discontinuity is defined as an interruption of the typical structure of a material, such as a lack of
homogeneity in its mechanical, metallurgical, or physical characteristics. A discontinuity could
be the result of a defect but isn't necessarily a defect.
A defect, on the other hand, is a discontinuity that by nature or accumulated effect (for
example, total crack length) renders a part or product unable to meet minimum applicable
acceptance standards or specifications. A defect results in rejection of the part or product.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WELD DISCONTINUITY AND DEFECT
A weld discontinuity (also known as weld imperfection) is any interruption in the normal flow
of the structure in a weldment present. This could be in either the weld metal or adjacent
parent metal. The interruption can be found in the physical, mechanical, or metallurgical
characteristics of the material or weldment.
Discontinuities can be defined as the irregularities formed in the given weld metal due to wrong
or incorrect welding patterns, etc. The discontinuity may differ from the desired weld bead
shape, size, and intended quality. They may occur either outside or inside the weld metal. Some
discontinuities may not cause rejection if they are under permissible limits stated in the
applicable code or standard. Once a discontinuity or a group of discontinuities exceeds the
limits stated in the applicable code or standard it becomes a weld defect. Upon discovering a
welding defect there must be appropriate rectification.