According to ISO 17637, a visual testing report must maintain clear traceability. A compliant report must include the following information:
Bridge cam gauges, fillet gauges, and digital calipers for linear measurements.
Kael’s face remained a stone mask, but Elias saw the twitch in his left eye. "We follow procedure. We always follow procedure."
ISO 17637 explicitly states that the acceptance levels for the imperfections identified during testing must be defined by an applicable application standard or specified by the contract. In the vast majority of European and international welding projects, ( Quality levels for imperfections in fusion-welded joints ) is used in tandem with ISO 17637. ISO 5817 categorizes weld quality into three levels: Level B (Stringent), Level C (Intermediate), and Level D (Moderate). Why You Must Buy the Official ISO 17637 PDF iso 17637 pdf
Testing requires simple tools like magnifiers and gauges. Key Steps in the ISO 17637 Standard
During fabrication, visual inspection helps catch defects between weld passes. Inspectors monitor: Removal of slag, spatter, and flux.
Inspectors must have a thorough understanding of welding technology, welding defects, and relevant manufacturing codes. According to ISO 17637, a visual testing report
"I'm going to save your life," Elias corrected. "And the lives of the crew. You have three weeks to grind out those seams and re-weld them. I’ll be back to inspect. With my PDF."
A standard is only as good as the person implementing it. ISO 17637 makes specific recommendations regarding personnel. It requires that the person responsible for the visual testing and the final evaluation of acceptance be qualified and capable. The standard recommends that personnel performing the test be qualified to (General requirements for qualification and certification of NDT personnel) or have an equivalent level of qualification recognized in the relevant industrial sector. This ensures that the inspector has verified visual acuity, training, and experience.
The most current and widely used version of the standard is , titled Non-destructive testing of welds — Visual testing of fusion-welded joints . "We follow procedure
dictates HOW to perform the visual inspection (the methodology, tools, lighting, and angles).
"You can’t be here, Elias," the yard foreman, a mountain of a man named Kael, rumbled. He stood with his arms crossed, blocking a row of rusted filing cabinets. "The inspection isn't until Thursday."