title = "Visual Weld Inspection Criteria and Acceptance"

content = """
Visual weld inspection (VT) is the first and most fundamental weld quality verification method. It is performed after every weld at Ridgecrest Metalworks and is the gateway to any subsequent non-destructive testing. Visual inspection detects surface discontinuities, dimensional non-conformances, and workmanship quality before more expensive NDT methods are applied.

Visual inspection is performed by a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI per AWS QC1), a qualified welding examiner, or as a welder self-inspection per the quality plan. Adequate lighting (minimum 50 foot-candles / 500 lux at the inspection surface), visual aids such as a weld gauge, magnifying glass (when specified), and mirrors for access to confined areas are required tools.

Weld surface discontinuities inspected visually include: porosity (gas pockets appearing as round or elongated surface voids), cracks (linear surface fractures—never acceptable in structural welds without disposition), undercut (a groove melted into the base metal at the weld toe, reducing load-bearing thickness), overlap (weld metal rolling over the base metal without fusing, creating a notch), incomplete fusion at the weld face, and weld craters (unfilled depressions at the weld termination point).

Weld geometry checks include weld size (leg size for fillet welds, width and reinforcement for groove welds), weld profile (convexity—excessive reinforcement creates stress concentration; concavity—insufficient weld throat), weld length and location per drawing, and weld continuity (no gaps in required continuous welds).

Acceptance criteria are specified by the governing welding standard. AWS D1.1 (Structural Welding Code—Steel) specifies maximum allowed undercut depths, porosity frequency and size, crack acceptance (none), and weld reinforcement height. ASME Section IX is used for pressure vessel welds with its own acceptance criteria from Section VIII or I.

Visual inspection records must be completed and retained. Welder identification, part or assembly number, weld joint identification, inspection date, findings, and disposition (accept/reject/repair) are recorded. Rejected welds are repaired per approved weld repair procedures and re-inspected before final acceptance.
"""

version = "0.0.1"
