When welding on metal thicker than the minimum requirement, what is the focus of quality control?

When welding on metal that is thicker than the minimum requirement, the quality control focus becomes the internal and external integrity of the weld. This emphasis is crucial because, with thicker materials, there are greater risks associated with potential defects that can occur not just on the surface, but also internally, which may not be visible without further inspection techniques.

Internal integrity is vital to ensure that the weld has proper fusion and penetration throughout the thickness of the material. If the weld is not fully fused or if there are inclusions, the strength and durability of the joint can be compromised, leading to potential failure under load. Additionally, evaluating the external integrity ensures that the weld bead conforms to the specifications and is free from surface defects such as cracks, undercuts, or excessive spatter which could affect performance.

Focusing attention on these aspects allows for thorough assessments that are essential in maintaining the structural reliability of welds, especially in more demanding applications where greater loads and stresses are anticipated. Considering this approach helps achieve a robust and safe construction that adheres to the standards set forth in AWS D1.1.