What is necessary for testing fillet welds?

For testing fillet welds, it is essential to cut specimens from each test weld since this practice allows for the evaluation of the weld's quality and performance characteristics. Cutting specimens provides a direct insight into the weld’s properties, such as its shape, size, and the presence of any defects like cracks or inclusions.

While creating a tensile specimen or a macro etch specimen can also be part of the testing process, these methods serve specific purposes. A tensile specimen evaluates the weld’s strength under tension, while a macro etch specimen provides a visual representation of the weld profile and reveals information about the heat-affected zone and base material characteristics.

In the context of fillet weld testing as stipulated by API 1104 standards, cutting specimens from the test weld is a fundamental requirement because it lays the groundwork for meaningful analysis, ensuring that the weld meets necessary quality and safety standards. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the necessity of obtaining specimens for a thorough evaluation of the weld quality.