Tag Archives: welding defects

How Much Porosity Is Acceptable in a Weld? Porosity is like the tiny potholes of the welding world — small, hidden, and sometimes harmless, but in the wrong spot or quantity, they can cause catastrophic failure. So, how much porosity is too much? The answer isn’t a one-size-fits-all — it …

Understanding Acceptable Welding Undercut and Its Acceptance Criteria Welding undercut is a groove melted into the base metal adjacent to the weld toe that isn’t filled with weld metal. While some degree of undercut may seem minor, excessive or poorly formed undercut can reduce fatigue life, create stress risers, and …

Understanding Blowholes in Welding: Causes, Prevention, and Inspection In the world of welding, we encounter various challenges. Welding isn’t just about melting metal; it’s about creating strong, reliable joints that meet specific standards. However, imperfections known as welding defects can arise, which may compromise the integrity, strength, and appearance of …

Weld Metal Dilution Rate When you’re laying down a weld, there’s a quiet chemistry dance happening under the hood—the weld metal dilution rate. It might not sound too flashy at first, but trust me, understanding weld dilution can make or break your weld’s quality, strength, and life span. What is …

What is Chevron Cracking in Welding? Welding is a fascinating process that binds metals together, but like any technical procedure, it’s not without its challenges. One such challenge is Chevron Cracking, a defect that can compromise the strength and integrity of welded joints. But what exactly is Chevron Cracking, and how …

What Is Sugaring in Stainless Steel? What Does Sugaring Mean? Sugaring is a common term in welding that refers to the rough, oxidized surface that forms on stainless steel when it is exposed to oxygen during high-temperature processes, like welding. This grainy, sugar-like appearance usually forms on the underside of …

Infrared Thermography Testing – NDT Inspection Infrared Thermography Testing (IRT) is a powerful method in the realm of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) used to evaluate materials, components, or systems without causing any damage. It’s like having X-ray vision for heat, enabling professionals to detect flaws, inconsistencies, or defects in welded joints …

Cold Cracking: Causes and Cures Introduction Welding is more than just joining metals—it’s about creating structures that can endure stress and last a long time. However, welding comes with challenges, and one of the most critical is cold cracking. Known as the “silent destroyer” of welds, cold cracking can occur …

What is Smut in Aluminum Welding? Aluminum welding is widely valued for creating strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant joints. However, a significant welding defect known as “smut” can occur, compromising the weld’s aesthetic and mechanical integrity. Smut in welding is typically a blackened, sooty residue that accumulates on the weld surface, …

Introduction to Capping in Welding   In the world of welding, achieving a smooth and flawless finish is essential, not only for aesthetics but for the structural integrity of the weld itself. One of the key techniques to perfect this finish is known as “capping.” Capping refers to the final …