Visual Testing
Visual inspection is a basic examination of surfaces, geometries, and weld finishes with the eye or optical aids. It ensures that no obvious defects are present.
Physical-Chemical Working Principle
Visual inspection means directly looking at surfaces and weld structures under normal or enhanced lighting. No specific physical processes are used—it's just spotting visual features and anomalies.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
Poor visual inspection can lead to problems like open cracks, lack of fill, wrong geometry, or bad surface finish. These defects can hurt the mechanical strength and reliability of the weld.
Workshop Practice & Procedures
• Equipment: Use a light table or a microscope for detailed inspections.
• Steps:
1. Check the surface for porosity, cracks, and deformation.
2. Check the weld for fill and proper execution.
3. Compare the results against the part's specific quality requirements.
• Criteria: Set clear criteria for acceptable and unacceptable conditions, e.g., maximum allowed pore count or crack width.