How to tell if a solder joint is bad

How to tell if a solder joint is bad

Welding defects: what tests can detect them?

What are the most common welding defects? Discover them in the following list along with the types of methods with which they can detect them.

lack of penetration

Lack of filling to reach the root. It can be detected with volumetric methods.

lack of fusion

The lack of fusion between the weld and the base metal. It can be detected with volumetric methods.

Excessive concavity at the root

The lack of fusion between the weld and the base metal. It can be detected with volumetric methods.

overlap

It happens when the weld goes through the bevel into the material. It can be detected with superficial methods.

undermined

It occurs when the base metal melts at the joint with the weld and creates a groove. It can be detected with superficial methods.

lack of filling

It is a depression in the weld that causes the surface of the weld to be below the base metal. It can be detected with superficial methods.

transverse cracks

They are perpendicular to the axis of the weld and can extend into the base material. It can be detected with surface and volumetric methods.

longitudinal cracks

They are parallel to the axis of the weld. It can be detected with surface and volumetric methods.

crater cracks

They occur in a concave area usually at the end of the weld where the arc breaks. It can be detected with superficial methods.

Wormhole Porosity

They are generally elongated non-spherical gas bags. It can be detected with volumetric methods.

Slag inclusions

They are inclusions of oxides or other non-metallic materials trapped in the weld. It can be detected with volumetric methods.

Tungsten inclusions

It occurs in welding where GTAW or TIG is used when tungsten touches the material and transfers particles from it. It can be detected with volumetric methods.