Visual Weld Inspection
Systematic examination of welds for profile, defects and workmanship, forming the first line of structural assessment.
Visual weld inspection is the disciplined examination of welds for profile, size, undercut, porosity and cracking. It is the first and most cost-effective line of defence in structural assessment, and it guides where more searching NDT should be applied. On EWPs and cranes, the integrity of load-bearing welds is fundamental to safe operation, and a trained eye supported by gauges and lighting catches many defects before they need instrumented detection.
What visual inspection assesses
Our inspectors examine weld profile, leg length and throat, checking for undercut, overlap, excessive reinforcement, porosity, spatter and visible cracking. Aids such as weld gauges, magnification and controlled lighting turn a subjective glance into a repeatable assessment against defined acceptance criteria.
Visual inspection also flags corrosion, prior repairs and modifications around welds that warrant closer NDT attention.
- Weld profile, size, undercut and overlap assessment
- Detection of surface cracking, porosity and spatter
- Identification of prior repairs and modifications
- Targeting of areas for follow-up NDT
Where it fits
Visual weld inspection is integral to annual and major inspections and to structural assessment. Because it is fast and non-invasive, it is used to screen the whole structure and direct the more resource-intensive NDT methods to where they are most needed.
Reporting
Findings are documented against acceptance criteria with photographs and locations, and any weld requiring instrumented NDT or repair is clearly identified.
Frequently Asked Questions
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