How to check TIG welding quality? Checking the quality of welds is an indispensable step in production. Welded products must pass through the inspection stage to eliminate defective products, and avoid risks and errors when installing the complete system. So weldfaq wants to share with you 5 ways to check TIG welding quality. Let’s get started right now!
How to check TIG welding quality
1. Visual Inspection
This is the most basic and straightforward method of checking TIG welds. It is often the first step in the inspection process, as it can quickly identify any obvious defects. Look for any visible defects such as cracks, porosity, or undercuts. The weld should also have a smooth and consistent appearance.
It’s also important to pay attention to the final color of the weld, it should have a silver-gray hue. If the weld appears dark, discolored, or has a burnt appearance, it may indicate a problem with the welding technique, such as incorrect amperage or travel speed.
2. Dye Penetrant Inspection
Dye Penetrant Inspection (DPI) is a non-destructive testing method that is used to detect surface defects in TIG welds. The process involves applying a liquid dye to the surface of the weld, allowing it to seep into any defects, and then removing any excess dye. Any defects will appear as breaks in the dye, revealing the underlying metal.
DPI is a useful method for detecting surface defects such as cracks, porosity, or lack of penetration in TIG welds. It is a cost-effective and non-destructive method that can be used to check the quality of TIG welds.
It’s worth noting that some types of defects like those on the inside of the material or subsurface defects will not be visible using this method. It is also important to be aware of the limitations of DPI, as it is primarily a surface inspection method and will not detect internal defects.
Therefore it’s recommended to use DPI in conjunction with other inspection methods to get a comprehensive understanding of the quality of the welds.
3. X-ray Inspection
X-ray inspection is a non-destructive method that is used to check the quality of TIG welds by examining the internal structure of the weld. X-ray inspection can detect problems such as porosity, lack of fusion, and slag inclusions that may not be visible with visual inspection or Dye Penetrant Inspection.
X-ray inspection is a highly sensitive method that can detect even small defects in TIG welds. It can also be used to examine the internal structure of the weld, such as the root, cap, and side walls. This can be particularly useful in the aerospace and nuclear industry where welds are required to meet strict quality standards.
One of the benefits of X-ray inspection is that it can be used to inspect TIG welds in a variety of positions and orientations, such as horizontal, vertical, or overhead welds. However, it’s worth noting that X-ray inspection requires specialized equipment and trained personnel to operate and interpret the results.
4. Bend Testing
Bend testing is a destructive method of testing TIG welds. It involves bending a sample of the welded material to a specific angle and observing whether the weld breaks or the base metal deforms. Bend testing is often used to check the strength of TIG welds in construction, automotive, aerospace, and other industries.
Bend testing is a reliable method for determining the strength of TIG welds. It can be used to test a variety of welds, such as fillet welds, butt welds, and lap joints. Bend testing is also relatively simple and cost-effective compared to other testing methods.
It’s worth noting that Bend testing is a destructive method, so it requires a sample, which means that the item being tested can’t be used or put into operation after the testing. Also, the sample’s preparation must be done correctly and the right test jig should be used to ensure accurate results.
5. Tensile testing
Tensile testing is a method of evaluating the strength and ductility of TIG welds. It is a destructive test that involves applying a tensile load on a sample of the welded material and measuring the amount of force required to break the weld. Tensile testing is commonly used in manufacturing and construction.
Tensile testing is a reliable method for determining the strength of TIG welds. It can provide a lot of information about the properties of the weld, such as strength, ductility, and toughness. It can also be used to test different types of welds and joints, including fillet welds, butt welds, and lap joints.
However, it’s a destructive test, so it requires a sample, meaning that the item being tested can’t be used or put into operation after the testing.
Frequently asked questions (Weld FAQ)
How do I ensure that the TIG welding quality is good?
To ensure good TIG welding quality, it’s important to use the correct welding technique, equipment, and parameters. Also, following the relevant welding codes and standards. It’s also a good idea to use a combination of inspection methods, such as visual inspection, DPI, X-ray inspection, bend testing, and tensile testing, to get a comprehensive understanding of the quality of the welds.
Can you inspect TIG welding on site or it must be done in a lab?
Some inspection methods like visual inspection can be done on site, while others like X-ray and tensile testing are typically done in a lab. However, there are portable X-ray equipment and some laboratory have the capability of on-site testing.
Is there a standard for TIG welding quality?
There are various industry standards and codes that specify the quality requirements for TIG welding, such as American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1, American Petroleum Institute (API) 1104, and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. It’s important to consult the relevant standard or code for the specific application and industry.
Winding Up
You should always follow welding procedures and rules to ensure good quality welds. In addition, it is important to use the correct welding technique, equipment and parameters to ensure good quality TIG welding.
How to check TIG welding quality helps you identify bad welds and quickly fix them. It should be noted that some defects can only be found through specific methods and multiple methods should be used to check weld quality.
