Reference: AWS A3.0:2020 Standard Welding Terms
| Type | Visual Identification (2020 Tools: Borescope, 10x Loupe) | Acceptance (D1.1:2020) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Crack | Linear dark line; sharp tips.
Hot crack (centerline).
Cold crack (HAZ). | Zero tolerance. Full removal required. |
| Porosity | Round or elongated voids.
Cluster (4+ in 1”). | Max diameter: 1/16” (1.6mm) for thin wall.
Cluster reject if > 2% of surface. |
| Undercut | Groove in base metal adjacent to toe of weld. | Depth ≤ 1/32” (0.8mm) for cyclic loads;
≤ 1/16” (1.6mm) static. |
| Incomplete Fusion | Flat, unbonded interface between weld/base. | Reject (crack initiation point). |
| Spatter | Small droplets on base metal. | Permitted unless corrosion resistant coating required. |
| Overlap | Weld metal rolled over without fusion. | Reject (stress riser). |
While published in 2018, the 2020 confirmed version added annexes regarding "Phased array techniques for conventional equipment." A must-have PDF for European inspectors.
1.1 Evolution of the Inspector
1.2 The 5 Pillars of Inspection (2020 Hierarchy)
Phase A: Pre-Weld (30% of defects caught here)
Phase B: During Welding (Root & Hot Pass)
Phase C: Post-Weld (Final)
"Remote Inspection" became a buzzword. Technicians on-site operated basic scanning hardware, while Level III inspectors reviewed the data remotely from different countries via secure cloud platforms. This ensured project continuity despite lockdowns.
While not a volumetric inspection, 2020 standards recognized that cap height and undercut are predictors of fatigue failure. Laser scanners produced 3D surface maps, with pass/fail criteria automatically inserted into a welding inspection technology summary PDF.
Despite advances, three challenges remained unresolved in 2020, as noted in many industry PDF surveys:
Reference: AWS A3.0:2020 Standard Welding Terms
| Type | Visual Identification (2020 Tools: Borescope, 10x Loupe) | Acceptance (D1.1:2020) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Crack | Linear dark line; sharp tips.
Hot crack (centerline).
Cold crack (HAZ). | Zero tolerance. Full removal required. |
| Porosity | Round or elongated voids.
Cluster (4+ in 1”). | Max diameter: 1/16” (1.6mm) for thin wall.
Cluster reject if > 2% of surface. |
| Undercut | Groove in base metal adjacent to toe of weld. | Depth ≤ 1/32” (0.8mm) for cyclic loads;
≤ 1/16” (1.6mm) static. |
| Incomplete Fusion | Flat, unbonded interface between weld/base. | Reject (crack initiation point). |
| Spatter | Small droplets on base metal. | Permitted unless corrosion resistant coating required. |
| Overlap | Weld metal rolled over without fusion. | Reject (stress riser). |
While published in 2018, the 2020 confirmed version added annexes regarding "Phased array techniques for conventional equipment." A must-have PDF for European inspectors. welding inspection technology 2020 pdf
1.1 Evolution of the Inspector
1.2 The 5 Pillars of Inspection (2020 Hierarchy) Reference: AWS A3
Phase A: Pre-Weld (30% of defects caught here)
Phase B: During Welding (Root & Hot Pass) Phase B: During Welding (Root & Hot Pass)
Phase C: Post-Weld (Final)
"Remote Inspection" became a buzzword. Technicians on-site operated basic scanning hardware, while Level III inspectors reviewed the data remotely from different countries via secure cloud platforms. This ensured project continuity despite lockdowns.
While not a volumetric inspection, 2020 standards recognized that cap height and undercut are predictors of fatigue failure. Laser scanners produced 3D surface maps, with pass/fail criteria automatically inserted into a welding inspection technology summary PDF.
Despite advances, three challenges remained unresolved in 2020, as noted in many industry PDF surveys: