Abstract
Effective quality control throughout fabrication is essential to ensure that specified joint properties and quality levels are achieved and that material is not subject to unacceptable metallurgical or mechanical damage. In the present paper, the causes of the more common material related defects encountered during fabrication are reviewed, including those associated with incorrectly specified or inadequately controlled welding consumables. Reference is also made to deficiencies in as supplied materials which often cause production delays and/or significant replacement costs – features such as surface defects, dimensional errors, incorrect marking/identification, material mix up, transit damage, and the non-availability of certified material test reports. Most attention is given to C–Mn and low alloy steels, but stainless steels, 9%Ni steel, and aluminium alloys are also considered.
MST/575
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