How do you inspect and evaluate the quality of GTAW welds?

2 Mechanical testing

Mechanical testing is the process of applying force or stress to the welds to measure their strength, ductility, and toughness. There are different types of mechanical tests, such as tensile, bend, impact, fatigue, or hardness tests. Each test has its own purpose, procedure, and equipment. For example, a tensile test involves pulling the weld until it breaks, while a bend test involves bending the weld to a certain angle or radius. Mechanical testing can reveal any flaws or weaknesses in the welds that are not visible to the eye.

4 Safety precautions

Safety precautions are essential when inspecting and evaluating GTAW welds. You should always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, helmet, boots, and apron. You should also follow the safety rules and regulations of your workplace and the welding equipment manufacturer. You should avoid any hazards, such as electric shock, fire, explosion, fumes, radiation, or noise. You should also dispose of any waste or scrap metal properly and keep your work area clean and organized.

5 Documentation and reporting

Documentation and reporting are important aspects of inspecting and evaluating GTAW welds. You should keep a record of all the inspection and testing results, such as measurements, images, graphs, or reports. You should also use a standard format and terminology to communicate your findings and recommendations. You should follow the quality standards and requirements of your project and your client. You should also review and update your documentation and reporting regularly and ensure their accuracy and completeness.

6 Continuous improvement

Continuous improvement is the goal of inspecting and evaluating GTAW welds. You should use the feedback and data from your inspection and testing to identify any problems or areas for improvement in your welding process, technique, or equipment. You should also seek to learn new skills, methods, or technologies to enhance your welding performance and quality. You should also share your knowledge and experience with your colleagues and peers and seek their feedback and suggestions. By continuously improving your welding skills and quality, you will increase your efficiency, productivity, and satisfaction as an industrial maintenance professional.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?