Your welding skills can also be evaluated during the welding process.
Welding tests not only examine the ability of the welder, but also the quality of the metal used and the strength of the welded joint. Some of these tests will physically destroy the welder's project in order to obtain this information, while other tests can determine the welder's skills and the metal's quality without harming the project.
X-ray Test
The x-ray test will uncover any internal imperfection within the weld such as cracks, slag and blowholes without harming your project. Place an x-ray tube on one side of the welded plate and an x-ray film equipped with special sensitive emulsion on the other side of the welded plate. When you develop the film, any defects or impression will be represented by dark spots on the film.
Hydrostatic Test
The hydrostatic test will not destroy your project as it verifies the quality of the welds on pressure vessels, tanks and other sealed containers. To perform this test, fill the sealed container with water then apply pressure to the container. The applied pressure must be greater than the working pressure of the sealed container. If the welds on the container can stand up to the pressure, you have created quality welds. You can also perform this test without applying pressure to find leaks in your welds.
Acid Etch Test
The acid etch test is performed on the cross section of a joint to determine the dependability of the weld. When you pour the acid on the metal, it reacts with the edges of any cracks in the base metal or the welding metal of your project, revealing the welding flaws. The acid also emphasizes where the base metal and weld mental intersect. Acid solutions used for the etch test include: hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, ammonium per sulfate and iodine and potassium iodide. This test will destroy your project.
Guided Bend Test
The most common performance and procedure welding test, the guided bend test determines the malleability and reliability of a welded joint by bending the joint to a specific bend radius. You can bend the joint by using a plunger test machine or wrap-around bend test jigs. This destructive test will find any liner fusion flaws in the weld. It also allows you to evaluate a welder's skills and methods.
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