Welding Inspection Processes

Introduction

Welding inspection is not a one-time task, but a continuous qualityassurance process that spans the entire welding workflow. At Insperia Solvex,we divide welding inspection into three key stages—before, during,and after welding—to ensure full compliance with engineering standards,structural requirements, and industry codes.

Each phase plays a distinct role in identifying and preventing defects,controlling variables, and ensuring that welded joints meet the design intentand safety expectations.

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1. Pre-Welding Inspection

Before any welding operation begins, a detailed pre-weld inspection ensuresall preparations are complete and conditions are suitable for high-qualityresults.

Key Steps in Pre-WeldingInspection

• Review  of client specifications, structural sensitivity, and required quality     level
• Analysis  of engineering drawings and technical documentation
• Comparison  of project specs with applicable welding codes and standards
• Selection  of appropriate welding methods based on application and material
• Inspection  and approval of base materials and consumables
• Verification  of cutting, welding, and heat treatment equipment
• Evaluation  of welders and operators, including certification checks
• Assessment  of inspection facilities and testing readiness

This stage lays the foundation for successful welding by eliminatinguncertainties and aligning execution with regulatory and project-specificrequirements.

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2. In-Process (During Welding)Inspection

Once welding begins, continuous monitoring is essential to detect processdeviations and maintain quality control in real time.

Key Steps in In-ProcessWelding Inspection

• Visual     inspection of prepared weld joints and nearby surfaces for cleanliness and     defect prevention
• Monitoring     for common weld issues such as cracks, porosity, or shell imperfections
• Ensuring     proper use of welding jigs, clamps, and fixtures for alignment and     distortion control
• Verification     of electrode storage and handling conditions, especially for low-hydrogen     electrodes
• Supervision     of qualified welders and assessment of their in-process performance
• Control     of interpass cleaning (slag removal) and joint preparation between passes
• Monitoring     of preheat conditions and maintenance of specified interpass temperatures

This stage ensures immediate quality feedback and enables correctionsbefore defects become embedded or hidden.

3. Post-Welding Inspection

After welding is complete, final inspection confirms the mechanical and structuralintegrity of the welded joints. It also verifies that the work meets allquality criteria and is fit for its intended use.

Goals of Post-WeldingInspection

1. Evaluate     the mechanical properties and durability of the welded joint
2. Ensure     structural conformity with technical specifications and end-use     requirements

Post-weld tests fall into two categories:

A. Destructive Testing (DT)

Destructive Testing involves physically altering or breaking test samplesto assess material strength and behavior. These tests are often performed onsample coupons rather than the final structure.

Common DTMethods Include:

• Tensile     Test – Measures the material’s strength under pulling     force
• Bend     Test – Assesses ductility and soundness
• Impact     Test – Determines resistance to sudden force (e.g.,     Charpy test)
• Hardness     Test – Measures surface hardness and resistance to     deformation
• Corrosion     Test – Evaluates performance under corrosive     environments
• Etch     Test – Reveals weld structure through chemical     etching

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B. Non-Destructive Testing(NDT)

Non-Destructive Testing allows for quality assessment without damaging thewelded component. NDT techniques are widely used to detect surface and internaldiscontinuities while preserving the integrity of the part.

Common NDTMethods Include:

• Visual     & Optical Testing (VT) – First-level     surface inspection using magnifiers and weld gauges
• Radiographic     Testing (RT) – X-ray imaging to detect internal flaws
• Ultrasonic     Testing (UT) – High-frequency sound waves identify subsurface     defects
• Magnetic     Particle Testing (MT) – Locates surface and near-surface cracks     in ferromagnetic materials
• Dye     Penetrant Testing (PT) – Highlights surface-breaking defects with     visible or fluorescent dyes
• Leak     Testing – Assesses the sealing capability of welds,     especially in pressurized systems

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Conclusion

Welding inspection is a multi-step, technically rigorous process thatprotects structural integrity and operational safety. By carefully inspectingwelded joints before, during, and after the process, InsperiaSolvex helps clients minimize risk, meet international quality standards,and extend the service life of their welded components.

Contact Insperia Solvex today to learn more about our certified weldinginspection services and how we can support your next project with unmatchedprecision and professionalism.