Who is responsible for the visual inspection of weld seams?

In the case of visual identification of welding defects, the skill level of the weld seam examiner is determined by the standard. In some cases, if the person performing the visual inspection can prove their competence, they will be deemed capable of carrying out this visual quality control.

Skill level of the visual inspection examiner

The manufacturer must ensure the sufficient skill level of the person who will carry out the visual inspection of the weld seams. Depending on the standards and other external factors such as the requirements of the order giver, the competencies required of the person examining the quality of the weld visually will differ.
For example, under the EN 1090-2 welding quality standard (§12.4.1), no qualification test is required for the examiner to perform the visual inspection of welds.

In practice, it is often the welder themselves who carries out the visual inspection of their welds. The welder thus plays the role of the examiner. Therefore, the manufacturer will ensure the training of its welders in visual quality control, either:

  • Internally
  • Externally through a company specialized in the visual inspection of welds

What are the types of welding imperfection  to consider for the visual inspection of weld seams ?

User testimonials

The VT® gauge principle is GO or NOGO. Measurements, calculations, and manipulation of standards are not involved.

Guy Lardinois SPRL Company

VT© gauges provide significant benefits for welders by reducing training needs. The approach is highly practical and easy to comprehend. The gauges offer excellent value-addition to welding processes. It is a precise and efficient solution.

There's no need to comply with elaborate standards or conduct complex calculations for visual weld quality control. For instance, for craters, visual inspection is now immediately possible without any calculations. The VT© gauge and a flashlight are all that is required to handle any welding situation. By saving an enormous amount of time and ensuring precision, VT© gauges provide a valuable addition to the welder's toolkit. Training requirements are minimized. The approach is highly pragmatic, and it is straightforward to determine the appropriate gauge with the help of available visual aids.  

10 / 10

Institut Belge de la Soudure (IBS)

The use of VT© gauges enables visual inspection by non-experts. They are suitable for all types of welding profiles and are cost-effective.

VT© gauges facilitate a visual inspection without requiring an engineering background or extensive consultation of data tables.   This allows for a visual inspection to be conducted in accordance with the welding standard without the need for advanced technical skills.This streamlined inspection process is quick and efficient, eliminating past difficulties with visual inspections. Now, anyone can perform a visual quality control of welds without requiring engineering expertise. It is accessible to individuals across all professions and at an affordable price point.

10 / 10

TECHNOcampus

The new generation of VT© weld inspection gauges is very easy to use and highly accurate. Our trainees show great interest. We use ultra-modern, state-of-the-art equipment

Industry has a chronic shortage of boilermakers and pipe fitters. For boilermaking, the TechnoCampus assembly site is the only training operator to offer short or long courses for the entire Walloon Region. Each instructor at the assemblage site has his or her own complete VT Total kit. Instructors demonstrate the handling of the calibers to trainees and companies, both as part of our teaching and continuing training courses. We also organize information days with the guidance of the IBS (Belgian Welding Institute). We use gauges for all approvals. Thanks to the combination of the new generation VT© gauge and the ultra-simple instruction manual, our instructors can certify to EN 1090-2 very efficiently. The new generation VT© gauge for weld inspection is very easy to use and highly accurate. Our trainees show great interest. We use ultra-modern, state-of-the-art equipment, including welding simulators.

10 / 10