Know Your Electrodes

Choosing the right testing method depends on various factors, including:

Material type and thickness: Different methods may be more suitable for specific materials and weld thicknesses.
Accessibility and complexity of the weld: Some methods require better access to the weld or specific setups for effective testing.
Required level of detail: Different methods offer varying levels of sensitivity and detail in detecting and characterizing porosity.
Cost and resource limitations: Some methods, like X-ray, require specialized equipment and expertise, making them more expensive than visual inspection.

It’s crucial to follow relevant welding codes and standards to determine the required testing procedures for porosity assessment in a specific application. By employing appropriate testing methods, welders and inspectors can ensure the quality and integrity of welded joints.

Types of Tests

Destructive

Tensile Strength Test

Destructive

Bend Test

Destructive

Impact Test

Non-destructive

Ultrasonic Test

Non-destructive

Radiographic Test

Non-destructive

Liquid Penetrating Test

Non-destructive

Magnetic Particle Test

Tensile Strength Test

This test measures the force required to break a weld sample in the direction of the weld. The results are used to assess the weld’s strength.

Bend Test

This test measures the ductility of a weld sample by bending it over a mandrel until it breaks. The results are used to assess the weld’s ability to deform without cracking.

Impact Test

This test measures the toughness of a weld sample by striking it with a hammer at a low temperature. The results are used to assess the weld’s resistance to cracking.

Ultrasonic Test

This method uses sound waves to inspect welds. Sound waves are transmitted through the weld, and they are reflected by any defects. By analyzing the reflected sound waves, an inspector can identify the location and size of any defects.

Radiographic Test

This method uses X-rays to create an image of the weld. X-rays can pass through metal, but they are absorbed by defects such as cracks and voids. By looking at the X-ray image, an inspector can identify the location and size of any defects.

Liquid Penetration Test

This method uses a special liquid to reveal surface cracks and other defects in welds. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to ensure weld quality and safety.

Magnetic Particle Test

This method uses a magnetic field to detect cracks in the weld. The weld is magnetized, and then magnetic particles are applied to the surface. The particles are attracted to the edges of cracks, which makes them visible to the inspector.