Studies and Research on the Visual Inspection of Welded Joints

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the application of the visual testing (VT) method in assessing the quality of welds made using MIG-MAG (Metal Inert/Active Gas) and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) processes, according to the standard SR EN ISO 5817, level B, which represents the most demanding criterion for the acceptance of weld defects. Welding is known to be the fusion of two parts or materials made of metal, metal alloys or polymers. The operation takes place at high temperatures, with or without added material (fusion welding), and the surface layers of atoms are activated in this way, through a controlled energy input. The objective of this paper is to highlight the main visually evident defects, to discuss the possibility of discontinuities developing in welded joints and their acceptable level according to the current standards.