Weld Testing

Weld Testing

Nondestructive
Destructive

Nondestructive Testing

Helps locate defects without damage to the weld. Welds can be repaired or replaced.

Nondestructive Methods

Visual Inspection (VT) Magnetic Particle Inspection (MT) Liquid Penetrate Inspection (PT) Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Xray or Raidograph (RT)

Visual Inspection

Tested Visually Tested for size, conformation, porosity, undercut, cracks, ect Usually requires gauges, calipers, and scales. (can include cameras)

Magnetic Particle Inspection

Checks for surface or near surface flaws. Magnetic current is applied to the metal surface. A magnetic liquid or powder is then applied to locate cracks. Portable and can be moved to the job site Material must be magnetic.

Liquid Penetrate Inspection

Cheap way to see surface flaws in many different material. Liquid penetrate is applied and allowed to soak into cracks. Excess is removed. A developer is applied to allow cracks to be seen.

Ultrasonic Testing

Finds flaws by sound waves introduced at 1 million Hz. Can find deep or hidden flaws. Is fast with immediate results. Has trouble with flaws parallel to the sound waves. Takes a great deal of expertese to read.

Radiograph or x-ray

Based on x-ray technology. Shades on film are lighter as density increases. Flaws can be found but their depth is hard to determine. *Radiograph gives you a permanent record of the flaws or lack of. (it is recorded on film.

Destructive Methods

Bend tests Tensile Test Impact Test Hardness testing

Bend Tests

Face and root bend test Side bend test Fillet weld bend test Unguided bend test

Tensile Testing

Sample is pulled until it breaks and then a tensile strength is determined. Specimen is machined to a desired size prior to testing

Impact testing

Material is subject to an impact to test its toughness.

Hardness testing

Usually used for base material testing but can also can help determine a heat effected zone of a weld.