Assessing weld integrity of hollow structures: sensitivity and human factors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20868/ade.2025.5568Keywords:
defects, Incoloy 825, non destructive testing, TIG welding, quality controlAbstract
This paper focused on the manufacturing and quality control of tubular metal elements destined for building practices, centered on early defect detection to prevent corrosion and unexpected in-service failures. Throughout 15 production batches, methods such as visual inspection, eddy current testing, mechanical analysis, and pressure leak testing were employed. Defects were particularly located in the TIG welding, incomplete fusion (the most common), and cracks, with an average size of 4.523 ± 1.5 mm. Leak testing detected transverse flaws as small as 0.127 mm, exceeding the eddy current limit of 0.508 mm. Furthermore, mechanical analyses
confirmed compliance with the manufacturer's specifications at all times, presenting an average yield strength of 958 ± 21 MPa, a ductility of 7 ± 1% and an HRC hardness of 30 ± 2. Therefore, as corrective measures, more emphasize in operator training as well as enabling preventive maintenance would increase the quality of products intended for these constructive elements.
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