Weld Imperfection Detection Guide
An educational guide for welders and inspectors to visually identify common welding imperfections and understand their likely causes.
Select an Imperfection
Choose a common weld defect to learn about its appearance and causes.
Porosity
Small holes or pores on the weld surface, caused by trapped gas.
Likely Causes:
- Inadequate shielding gas coverage (too low, too high, or windy).
- Contaminants on the base material (oil, paint, rust, moisture).
- Excessive arc length.
The Art of Visual Inspection
Visual Testing (VT) is the first, and often most important, step in welding quality control. A trained eye can detect many surface-breaking imperfections before they become major issues. This tool is designed to help trainees and junior inspectors associate a visual defect with its most common causes, which is the key to effective troubleshooting and prevention.