WELDERS Visual Inspection HANDBOOK

May 2013

-- NOTE -This handbook is NOT intended to serve as a work procedure or to replace any existing procedures. It is solely intended to provide basic information about weld conditions, weld gauges, symbols and weld terms. Refer to local procedures for technical or other specific data.


page.

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Table of Contents Page Visual Inspection Responsibilities and Technique i How to Measure Fillet Weld Size 1 VT Attributes Cracks 2 Underfill 4 Burn Through 6 Incomplete Fusion 8 Roughness 10 Overlap 12 Undersized Fillet Weld 14 Incomplete Penetration 16 Undercut 18 Corner-Melt 20 End-Melt 22 Concave Fillet Weld 24 Convex Fillet Weld 26 Arc Strikes 28 Other Fabrication Scars 30 Porosity 32 Spatter 34 Slag 36 Weld Reinforcement 38 Melt Through 40 Offset 42 Oxidation 44 Crater Pit 46 Paint 48 Types of Weld Joints 50 Parts of a Weld 53 Structural Joint Numbering System 54 Standard Welding Symbol Layout 60 Standard Welding Symbols 61 Using Finger Gauge 67 Using Bridgecam Gauge 70 Definitions 73

Visual Inspection Responsibilities

1.

2.

When Final visual inspections must be performed: a) When the weld is complete, and in the final surface and heat treated conditions b) Before other NDT (when required) c) Before being made inaccessible for inspection Where the weld inspection zone: a) All work - Completed weld faces plus inch on both sides of weld shall be visually inspected for the entire length of the weld. b) To gauge weld size: (1). Gauge where the weld size visually appears to be the smallest (2). If the weld length is five feet or less, gauge a minimum of once per weld (3). If the weld length is greater than five feet, gauge a minimum of once every five feet What In order to perform final visual inspection you need: a) Adequate lighting (use flashlight as needed) b) Weld gauges (bridge cam and finger gauges recommended) c) Prescription glasses (as required) How Distance and angle: a) The inspectors eyes should be within 24 inches of the surface to be inspected and b) At an angle of at least 30 degrees to the surface being inspected.

Visual Inspection Technique

1.

2.

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(Correct Size) The leg lengths and throat of the largest triangle that can be drawn within the fillet weld cross section.

How to Measure FILLET WELD SIZE

Leg Size

Throat*

Size Leg

Leg/ Size Leg/ Size

Throat*

* See parts of a weld

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CRACKS

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CRACKS
Definition A tear, fracture or fissure in the weld or base metal appearing as a broken, jagged or straight line. NOTE: Cracks are the most serious defect! Preventive Action 1. Remove contaminants from the joint (rust, grease, moisture, etc.) prior to welding. 2. Apply and maintain required preheat. 3. Do not allow the base material to cool too quickly. 4. Maintain filler metal control requirements. 5. Use correct filler metal type for the joint. 6. Apply proper bead size and sequencing to eliminate excessive distortion and/or stress in the base material. Corrective Action Repair in accordance with local procedures.

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UNDERFILL

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UNDERFILL
Definition The amount of weld that is below a straight line drawn from the edges of the joint preparation of a groove weld, with the exception of allowable undercut. Preventive Action 1. During welding of the reinforcement, gauge bead heights in any location that appears to be lower than the rest of the bead. 2. Adjust amps/volts. 3. Slow travel speed to allow increased weld puddle volume. 4. Sequence weld passes so that the toes of the beads sufficiently cover one another, minimizing valleys. Corrective Action Apply additional weld beads until the joint is adequatly filled. (flush or above)

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BURN THROUGH

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BURN THROUGH
Definition Excessive heat and/or penetration that results in a hole completely through the backing ring or strip, fused root, or adjacent base material. Preventive Action 1. 2. 3. 4. Reduce amps/volts. Increase travel speed. Maintain appropriate arc length/wire stickout. Use ceramic tape or approved metal backing strap on areas with root gap.

Corrective Action 1. Place ceramic tape or approved metal backing strap on the bottom side of the hole. 2. Weld repair the first side of the hole from the easiest side to weld. 3. Once sufficient weld metal has been deposited on the easiest top side, grind or carbon arc the other side of the hole to sound metal. 4. Weld the other side of the hole to the appropriate size or height.

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INCOMPLETE FUSION

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INCOMPLETE FUSION
Definition A situation where the weld metal does not fuse or completely bond with the base metal or previously deposited weld metal. Preventive Action 1. Increase amps/volts. 2. Decrease travel speed. 3. Maintain appropriate arc length/wire stickout. 4. Adjust torch/rod angle. 5. Ensure previous beads are free of overlap (bead roll-over) and slag prior to welding additional passes. Corrective Action 1. Grind or carbon arc the weld to sound metal. 2. Weld repair the affected area.

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ROUGHNESS

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ROUGHNESS
Definition Sharp ridges (irregularities) or deep valleys between weld beads. The angle formed between the adjacent beads of the weld must be 90 or greater. Preventive Action 1. Adjust amps/volts. 2. Maintain a consistent travel speed. 3. Maintain appropriate arc length/wire stickout. 4. Adjust torch/rod angle. 5. Sequence weld passes so that the toes of the beads sufficiently cover one another, minimizing valleys. 6. Consult local Welding Engineering in cases where the base material is magnetized. Corrective Action 1. Grind or carbon arc the weld to sound metal. 2. Weld repair the affected area, if needed.

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OVERLAP

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OVERLAP
Definition A condition where the weld metal rolls over forming an angle less than 90. Sometimes referred to as weld bead rollover. Preventive Action 1. Adjust amps/volts. 2. Increase travel speed. 3. Maintain appropriate arc length/wire stickout. 4. Adjust torch/rod angle. Corrective Action 1. Grind or carbon arc the weld to sound metal. 2. Weld repair the affected area, if needed.

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UNDERSIZED FILLET WELD

* See parts of a weld

Th ro at

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UNDERSIZED FILLET WELD

Definition Any fillet or fillet reinforced weld that does not meet the minimum size requirements specified on applicable fabrication documents. Note: Skewed fillets are exceptionally prone to having undersized weld on sides that have greater than 90 joint fit-up. Preventive Action 1. Apply weld layers until weld size is met on all sides of joint. 2. Adjust amps/volts. 3. Decrease travel speed. 4. Maintain proper wire stickout. 5. Adjust torch/rod angle. 6. Avoid over grinding. 7. Sequence weld passes so that the toes of the beads sufficiently overlap one another. Corrective Action Apply additional weld passes until the affected areas are the proper size.

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INCOMPLETE PENETRATION

Pipe

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INCOMPLETE PENETRATION
Definition A situation where the weld metal does not penetrate as deeply as required. Preventive Action 1. Increase the bevel angle and/or root opening of the fit-up. Do not exceed the requirements of the joint design. 2. Ensure bevel edges of both members are lined up properly. 3. Increase amps/volts. 4. Decrease travel speed. 5. Maintain appropriate arc length/wire stickout. 6. Adjust torch/rod angle. Corrective Action 1. Grind or carbon arc the weld to sound metal. Note: Backgouge 2nd side to full penetration (remove fusion lines). Often, more than one fusion line will be present during back gouging. 2. Weld repair the affected area.

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UNDERCUT

BRIDGECAM

UNDERCUT GAUGE

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UNDERCUT
Definition A groove melted into the base metal and left unfilled by weld metal. Preventive Action 1. Decrease amps/volts. 2. Decrease travel speed. 3. Maintain appropriate arc length/wire stickout. 4. Adjust torch/rod angle. 5. Feed more wire into the puddle when manual TIG welding. 6. Increase stop time (dwell time) on weaved beads. 7. Use undercut gauge to verify acceptability. Corrective Action 1. Grind the toe of the weld until the unacceptable undercut blends smoothly into the base material. 2. Weld repair the affected area, if needed.

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CORNER-MELT
as is condition

ground condition

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CORNER-MELT
Definition A groove melted in a corner of a welded member that is left unfilled. Preventive Action 1. Start welds at end of joint and work inward. 2. Decrease amps/volts. 3. Decrease travel speed. 4. Maintain appropriate arc length/wire stickout. 5. Adjust torch/rod angle. 6. Feed more wire into the puddle when manual TIG welding. 7. Increase stop time (dwell time) on weaved beads. 8. Use undercut or bridgecam gauge to verify acceptability. Corrective Action 1. Grind the toe of the weld until the unacceptable corner-melt blends smoothly into the base material. 2. Weld repair the affected area, if needed.

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END-MELT

as is condition

ground condition

Gauged 1/4 or less

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END-MELT
Definition A groove melted into the end of a inch or less welded member that is left unfilled by weld metal. Preventive Action 1. Start the weld passes at the ends, where possible. 2. Decrease amps/volts. 3. Decrease travel speed. 4. Maintain appropriate arc length/wire stickout. 5. Adjust torch/rod angle. 6. Feed more wire into the puddle when manual TIG welding. 7. Increase stop time (dwell time) on weaved beads. 8. Use undercut or bridgecam gauge to verify acceptability. Corrective Action 1. Grind the toe of the weld until the unacceptable end-melt blends smoothly into the base material. 2. Weld repair the affected area, if needed.

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CONCAVE FILLET WELD

gauged

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CONCAVE FILLET WELD

Definition A fillet weld that sinks in the center. Preventive Action 1. Adjust amps/volts. 2. Decrease travel speed. 3. Maintain appropriate arc length/wire stickout. 4. Adjust torch/rod angle. 5. Feed more wire into the puddle when manual TIG welding. 6. Increase stop time (dwell time) on weaved beads. 7. Sequence weld passes so that the toes of the beads sufficiently cover one another. Corrective Action Apply additional weld passes until the concavity requirements have been met.

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CONVEX FILLET WELD

gauged

Convexity

Check Convexity using the Proper Size Wire

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CONVEX FILLET WELD

Definition A fillet weld that bulges out in the center. Preventive Action 1. Adjust amps/volts. 2. Increase travel speed. 3. Maintain proper wire stickout. 4. Adjust torch/rod angle. 5. Feed less wire into the puddle when manual TIG welding. 6. On multiple pass welds, avoid placing beads too close together. Corrective Action Grind, carbon arc or weld the affected area until the convexity requirements have been met.

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ARC STRIKES

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ARC STRIKES
Definition A discontinuity consisting of any localized remelted metal, heat effected metal, or change in surface profile of a finished weld or base material surface resulting from an electrical arc. Note: Arc strikes may develop stress risers, which could lead to cracking. Preventive Action 1. Prior to energizing welding equipment, replace damaged welding lines and ground cables. 2. Ensure grounds are properly installed. 3. Hang lines on trees or J-hooks. 4. Keep gas cups free of weld spatter on flux core processes. 5. Do not allow sub-arc tips to contact the base material. 6. Be careful when striking an arc. Corrective Action 1. Grind the affected area until the unacceptable arc strike blends smoothly into the base material or weld face. 2. Weld repair the affected area, if needed.

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OTHER FABRICATION SCARS

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OTHER FABRICATION SCARS

Definition Any accidental groove or cut that penetrates the surface of the metal. Sometimes called nicks, gouges or handling marks. Preventive Action 1. Avoid dropping heavy or sharp objects on welds and surrounding base material. 2. Be careful when grinding, carbon arcing or using scaling hammer. 3. Use undercut gauge to verify scar acceptability. Corrective Action 1. Grind the affected area until the unacceptable fabrication scar blends smoothly into the base material or weld face. 2. Weld repair the affected area, if needed.

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POROSITY

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POROSITY
Definition Open holes formed by gas that was trapped when the weld cooled. Sometimes called pinholes. Preventive Action 1. Remove contaminants from the joint (rust, grease, moisture, etc.) prior to welding. 2. Maintain filler metal control requirements. 3. Maintain appropriate arc length/wire stickout. 4. Adjust torch/rod angle. 5. Use the largest size gas cup possible and keep it free of spatter. 6. Position wind screens between the welding operation and any heavy flow of air. Corrective Action 1. Completely remove porosity from all intermediate weld areas. 2. Grind or carbon arc the affected area until the unacceptable porosity is removed from the weld. 3. Weld repair the affected area, if needed.

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SPATTER

A 1/8" wide x 1/8" deep notch is for verifying size of spatter

1/4"

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SPATTER
Definition The metal particles expelled during welding that do not form a part of the weld. Preventive Action 1. Remove contaminants from the joint (rust, grease, moisture, etc.) prior to welding. 2. Maintain filler metal control requirements. 3. Use Refrasil to protect surrounding surfaces from secondary weld spatter. 4. Adjust amps/volts. 5. Adjust torch/rod angle. 6. Maintain appropriate arc length/wire stickout. 7. Use ceramic tape or approved metal backing strap on areas with root gap. 8. Consult local Welding Engineering in cases where the base material is magnetized. Corrective Action 1. Completely remove spatter from all intermediate weld areas. 2. Remove all loose spatter with a needle gun. 3. Grind all tightly adhering, unacceptable spatter until it blends smoothly into the base material or weld.

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SLAG

A 1/8" wide x 1/8" deep notch is for verifying size of slag

1/4"

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SLAG
Definition The nonmetallic layer that forms on top of the molten metal. Preventive Action Note: Slag is a byproduct of the welding process that cannot be prevented. Below are some actions that make slag removal easier. 1. Adjust amps/volts. 2. Maintain a consistent travel speed. 3. Maintain an appropriate arc length/wire stickout. 4. Adjust torch/rod angle. 5. Sequence weld passes so that the toes of the beads sufficiently overlap one another, minimizing valleys. Corrective Action 1. Completely remove slag from all intermediate weld areas. 2. Remove all loose slag with a needle gun. 3. Grind all tightly adhering, unacceptable slag from the surface of the base material or weld.

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WELD REINFORCEMENT

*
* Check local procedures
for areas that have height restrictions.

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WELD REINFORCEMENT
Definition The amount of weld that is above a straight line drawn from the edges of the joint preparation of a groove weld. Preventive Action 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Adjust amps/volts. Increase travel speed. Maintain appropriate wire stickout. Adjust torch/rod angle. Sequence beads so that the toes do not excessively overlap one another, creating high spots in the reinforcement.

Corrective Action Grind or carbon arc areas of weld reinforcement that exceed the maximum allowable height (if applicable).

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MELT THROUGH

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MELT THROUGH
Definition Excessive heat and/or penetration that results in irregularity on the surface of the backing ring or strip, fused root or adjacent base material. Preventive Action 1. Reduce amps/volts. 2. Increase travel speed. 3. Maintain appropriate arc length/wire stickout. 4. Use ceramic tape or approved metal backing strap on areas with root gap. Corrective Action 1. Grind or carbon arc the weld to sound metal. 2. Weld repair the affected area, if needed.

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OFFSET

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OFFSET
Definition A situation where base materials creating a butt or corner joint have moved out of alignment or position. Sometimes called misalignment. NOTE: Offset is one of the major causes of inservice failures! Preventive Action 1. Ensure installing trade provides proper fit-up prior to welding. 2. Use approved temporary attachments (strongbacks, flatbar, etc.), as needed to reduce distortion. 3. Gauge for offset acceptability prior to tack welding with bridgecam or finger gauges. 4. Apply sufficient block tacks prior to welding. Note: Stop welding and immediately notify your foreman anytime unacceptable offset occurs. Corrective Action 1. Installing trade may have to cut apart and re-fit the joint within tolerance. 2. Offset may be repaired by applying weld buildup to the appropriate taper.

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OXIDATION

coppernickel

steel

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OXIDATION
Definition A condition resulting from partial or complete lack of purge of a surface which is heated during welding resulting in formation of oxide on the surface. This condition may range from slight oxidation evidenced by a multicolored or tightly adhering black film to the extreme of a very rough surface having crystalline appearance (referred to as sugaring.) Preventive Action 1. Ensure adequate pipe purge is maintained prior to and throughout the welding process. 2. Remove contaminants from the joint (rust, grease, moisture, etc.) prior to welding. Corrective Action 1. Grind the weld to sound metal. 2. Weld repair the affected area, if needed.

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CRATER PIT

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CRATER PIT
Definition A hole extending into the weld resulting from shrinkage during cooling. Preventive Action 1. Remove contaminants from the joint (rust, grease, moisture, etc.) prior to welding. 2. When breaking the arc for TIG welding, rapidly pop the trigger several times to avoid sudden pull-offs. This will provide sufficient post purge of the weld puddle. Corrective Action 1. Grind the weld to sound metal. 2. Weld repair the affected area, if needed.

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PAINT

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PAINT
Definition A pigmented oil or liquid that forms a coloring or protective coating when dry. May be found on the weld face or in the weld inspection area. Preventive Action Ensure installing trade adequately removes paint, paint stick markings and metal marker writings in the weld zone prior to fitting and welding. Corrective Action Grind, wire wheel or needle gun the weld zone free of paint prior to welding.

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Types of Weld Joints (Square) (Single V) (Double V) (Single U) Butt

Tee

(Square)

(Single Bevel)

(Single J)

(Double Bevel)

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Types of Weld Joints Corner (Square)

(Single Bevel)

(Single J)

(Single U)

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Types of Weld Joints

Lap

Edge

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Parts of a Weld

* This represents the theoretical throat (the minimum specified leg size multiplied by 0.7) which is the shortest distance from the joint root to the hypotenuse (straight line drawn toe to toe) of the largest right triangle that can be drawn within the fillet weld cross section.

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B2V.3

Structural Joint Numbering System

First character (Letter) Designates type of joint: B - Butt C - Corner T - Tee L - Lap PT - Partial Penetration E - Edge Second Character (Number) Designates Number of Sides Welded: 1 - Welded One Side 2 - Welded Both Sides Third Character (Letter) Designates Configuration of Joint: S - Square Groove V - Beveled or V Groove U - U-Shaped Groove J - J-Shaped Groove Period Used for Separation Fourth Character (Number) Is Assigned In Sequence, 1,2,3, Etc., to Cover Distinctive Joint Differences such as Bevel Angle, Root Opening, With Backing, Without Backing, Etc.

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Structural Joint Numbering System EXAMPLES

C1V.2
Corner Joint Single Beveled Groove

Welded One Side

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Structural Joint Numbering System EXAMPLES

T2V.2
Tee Joint Double Beveled Groove

Welded Both Sides

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Structural Joint Numbering System EXAMPLES

B2V.1
Butt Joint Single V Groove

Welded Both Sides

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Structural Joint Numbering System EXAMPLES

B1V.1
Butt Joint Single V Groove

Welded One Side

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Structural Joint Numbering System EXAMPLES

B2V.3
Butt Joint Double V Groove

Welded Both Sides

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Weld Size

Standard Welding Symbol Layout

(Far or Other Side) (Near or Arrow Side)

Elements in this area as shown regardless of arrow orientation

Reference Arrow Weld all around Symbol

Weld Symbol or Reference

Reference Line

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Standard Welding Symbols

Fillet Near Side

Fillet Far Side

Fillet Both Sides

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Standard Welding Symbols V Groove Near Side

V Groove Far Side

V Groove Both Sides

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Standard Welding Symbols

Single Bevel Near Side

Single Bevel Far Side

Double Bevel

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Standard Welding Symbols Single Beveled Tee Joint Welded One Side / Fillet Reinforced T1V.1

Joint has a bevel

Fillet size near side

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Standard Welding Symbols Single Beveled Tee Joint Welded Both Sides / Fillet Reinforced T2V.1

Fillet size far side Joint has a bevel Fillet size near side
Note: Backgouge and visual inspection required

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Standard Welding Symbols Partial Penetration Double Bevel Tee Joint Welded both sides / Fillet Reinforced Example of PT2V.1
S = fillet size B = depth of bevel

S B

Fillet size far side Joint is beveled both sides Fillet size near side 3/8 Fillet size far side Joint is beveled 1/2 deep both sides 3/8 Fillet size near side

3/8 1/2 3/8

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Using Finger Gauge to Measure:

Concavity

Check Concavity using the Proper Size Wire

Convexity
Check Convexity using the Proper Size Wire

Overlap/Roll Over

Overlap angle less than 90

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Use Finger Gauge to Measure Skewed Fillet and Fillet Reinforced Welds
Gauging Skewed Welds Finger gauges are the only gauges capable of gauging skewed welds. Note that when the angle of the joint preparation is less than 90 the actual length of the weld legs will increase.

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Finger Gauge to Measure Spatter/Slag

A 1/8" wide x 1/8" deep notch is for verifying size of spatter/slag

1/4"

Measuring Slag

Measuring Spatter

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Using Bridgecam Gauge To Measure: Fillet Weld Throat

Read from theoretical throat scale.

Fillet Leg Length

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Using Bridgecam Gauge To Measure: Reinforcement

Offset

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Using Gauges to Measure: Undercut

UNDERCUT GAUGE

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Definitions
1. Completed weld A weld that is completed and is ready for final visual inspection. 2. Defect Any harmful discontinuity that must be repaired to be acceptable. 3. Discontinuity Any imperfection in the normal structure or configuration of a weld or the base material that may or may not need to be repaired. 4. Final visual inspection of welds Visual inspection performed on a completed weld in the final surface condition and heat-treated condition. 5. Finished weld A weld that has received final inspection and has been accepted. 6. In-process visual inspection of welds- Visual inspection performed on intermediate passes of multipass welds. 7. Sound metal Metal that contains no defects. 8. Skewed fillet welds - Fillet or fillet reinforced weld that is less than 85 or greater than 95.

NDT Nondestructive Testing VT = Visual Inspection MT = Magnetic Particle Inspection PT = Liquid Penetrant Inspection UT = Ultrasonic Inspection RT = Radiographic Inspection ET = Eddy Current Inspection

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Scale Divisions Reference English Metric

-7/32 -5/32 -3/32 -1/32
1/64 3/64 5/64 7/64 9/64 11/64 13/64

-3/16 -1/16 1/16 3/16 5/16

-1/4

-1/8

- 5mm

- 6.35 mm 0

1/32 3/32 5/32 7/32 9/32 11/32 13/32 15/32 17/32 19/32 21/32 23/32 25/32 27/32 29/32 31/32

0
5mm

1/8

1/4

3/8

7/16 9/16

10mm

1/2
5/8
15mm

11/16

13/16 15/16

3/4

20mm
25mm

7/8

25.4 mm

Note: For training purposes only. Not to Scale!

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