Is radiographic testing mandatory for procedure qualification using an automatic process?

The requirement for radiographic testing in the context of procedure qualification using an automatic welding process is primarily aimed at ensuring the integrity and quality of the welds produced. Radiographic testing allows for the detection of internal flaws such as porosity, slag inclusions, and lack of fusion that may not be apparent through visual inspection or mechanical testing alone.

When procedure qualification is conducted, it is critical to validate that the automatic process produces welds of consistent and reliable quality under specified conditions. Radiographic testing serves as a verification step to confirm that the parameters set forth in the welding procedure are producing welds that meet the necessary acceptance criteria before moving on to mechanical testing of the welds.

While mechanical testing provides valuable information about the strength and ductility of the welds, it does not address potential internal defects. Thus, the sequence of conducting radiographic testing prior to mechanical testing is vital to ensure the overall integrity of the welded joints being qualified. This emphasizes the significance of radiographic inspection as a preliminary measure in the quality assurance process for automatic welding operations.