Is ultrasonic testing of welds with incomplete fusion reliable?

Is ultrasonic testing of welds with incomplete fusion reliable? 🧐
Yes – and it is governed by the same standards we use in NDT every day. EN ISO 17640 explicitly addresses this, typically following the establishment of a detailed test instruction.

In such cases, it is crucial to distinguish between two approaches:
👉 Testing to verify the achievement of a specified depth of fusion.
👉 Verifying the joint volume for the presence of weld discontinuities.

When assessing joint volume, testing may be hindered by geometric echoes. However, for determining the achievement of fusion, special validated and documented techniques should be employed. These techniques are not explicitly defined in the regulations. 🛠️ In such cases, the preparation, validation, and implementation of a tailored test manual are essential.

🔬 Our laboratory is equipped to conduct such validations and provide personnel training. Drawing from our own experience, we have developed instructions to effectively verify the quality of joints with incomplete fusion. Additionally, we offer training facilities with various samples to ensure inspectors deliver reliable results for this type of testing.

🔍 If you have questions about this topic or need support, feel free to reach out to us.