EXPOSE CRACKS ON WELD BY ETCHING
Macro-etching is a technique used to test a weld by revealing the structure of the base material and weld. It’s a destructive testing procedure used to evaluate the characteristics of the weld. Showing the large-scale structure of a metallic specimen can expose grains for evaluation so the grains can be inspected for size and flow, penetration cracks, and overheating conditions.
Welding samples are prepared by cutting, grinding and etching the test sample. Etching the sample creates a chemical reaction that exposes the microstructure or flow lines of the material. For welds, etching a cross-section may reveal internal discontinuities, weld profile, the extent of penetration and the quality of the weld. The macrostructural properties of a weld can be used for the procedure or personnel qualification.
PTS provides a wide range of services pertaining to macro-etching for examination under low magnification. Macroscopic testing is typically performed on finished products such as weldments and piping to assess the overall conditions of the material.
- Visual inspection
- Macrostructure
Macro-etching is a technique used to test a weld by revealing the structure of the base material and weld. It’s a destructive testing procedure that is used to evaluate the characteristics of the weld.
By revealing the large-scale structure of a metallic specimen, it can expose grains for evaluation so the grains can be inspected for size and flow, penetration, cracks as well as overheat conditions.
For welds, etching a cross section may reveal internal discontinuities, weld profile, extent of penetration and the quality of weld. The macro structural properties of a weld can be used for procedure qualification or personnel qualification.
APPLICATION OF MACRO-ETCHING EXAMINATION & PHOTOGRAPHY:
Reveals component defects such as cracks, voids, porosity, and holes by cutting into metal surfaces
Low-magnification microscopes are used to examine the finer structure of the weld
Reveals component defects such as cracks, voids, porosity, and holes by cutting into metal surfaces
Low magnification microscopes used to examine the finer structure of the weld
Common Test Methods
ASTM E340
ASTM E381
ASTM A604
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Our expert testing team can help you with macro-etching examination & photography for your welding samples. If you need a macro etch weld test, call us or send us an enquiry today.
