Welding Inspection

A: Checking weld size first leads to irreversible geometry errors masked by excess metal. Verifying welder continuity ignores that even qualified welders can’t fix bad joint prep. Measuring root gap, alignment, and bevel angle locks conformity to the WPS before heat input freezes the condition. Looking at PWHT now delays detection of basic dimensional nonconformance.

A: Assuming intermittent welds risks leaving unwelded sections. Treating it as shop-acceptable ignores field execution constraints. Requiring continuous weld metal all around the joint matches the symbol intent and drives full circumferential inspection. Interpreting it as seal weld drops load-path verification.

A: Cost-driven reasoning doesn’t explain the technical requirement. Visual inspection catches undercut, overlap, and profile issues that RT or UT can pass over or mis-size. VT has no role in qualifying procedures. VT doesn’t certify welder performance once production starts.

A: Treating it as cosmetic allows hidden undercut or overlap. Assuming travel speed is the only driver oversimplifies heat input control. Recognizing that spatter hides defects and changes bead geometry aligns inspection with WPS compliance. Linking spatter to reduced hydrogen risk is backwards.