What are common visual acceptance criteria for a welded joint?

What are common visual acceptance criteria for a welded joint?

• A. Bead height must always be maximum allowed by the drawing.
• B. Uniform color of the weld bead is required.
• C. Any visible crack is acceptable if small.
• D. Bead shape and size must conform to the drawing, and there should be no cracks, porosity, lack of fusion, or misalignment.

Answer: (D)

Visual acceptance focuses on whether the weld’s geometry matches what the drawing specifies and whether any surface defects that could weaken the weld are present. The best choice expresses both parts: the bead shape and size must conform to the drawing, and there should be no cracks, porosity, lack of fusion, or misalignment. When the bead follows the specified contour and dimensions, it indicates the joint was prepared and welded as intended. Cracks, porosity, lack of fusion, or misalignment show defects that can compromise strength, durability, and fit-up, so they fail visual inspection. Color uniformity isn’t a reliable indicator by itself, since heat tint or oxide colors can occur without indicating a sound weld, and even a small crack cannot be tolerated because it can grow under service loads.

Visual acceptance focuses on whether the weld’s geometry matches what the drawing specifies and whether any surface defects that could weaken the weld are present. The best choice expresses both parts: the bead shape and size must conform to the drawing, and there should be no cracks, porosity, lack of fusion, or misalignment. When the bead follows the specified contour and dimensions, it indicates the joint was prepared and welded as intended. Cracks, porosity, lack of fusion, or misalignment show defects that can compromise strength, durability, and fit-up, so they fail visual inspection. Color uniformity isn’t a reliable indicator by itself, since heat tint or oxide colors can occur without indicating a sound weld, and even a small crack cannot be tolerated because it can grow under service loads.