GBC Weld Group

Did you know that not every weld imperfection is considered a defect? 🔍

One of the most misunderstood aspects of welding inspection is the difference between an imperfection and a rejectable weld.

📘 AS/NZS 1554.1 recognizes that welding is a manufacturing process where minor imperfections may occur. The Standard establishes permissible limits for these imperfections based on the required weld category.

Examples of imperfections that are assessed include:
📌 Undercut
📌 Excess weld reinforcement
📌 Incomplete fill
📌 Surface porosity
📌 Misalignment
📌 Overlap
📌 Arc strikes (where applicable)

A weld is only considered unacceptable when an imperfection exceeds the acceptance criteria specified by the applicable weld category. This is why welding inspection is never based on appearance alone. A weld that looks excellent may still fail dimensional requirements, while a weld with minor visible imperfections may fully comply with the Standard.

Understanding acceptance criteria helps ensure:
✅ Consistent quality
✅ Compliance with AS/NZS 1554.1
✅ Reliable structural performance
✅ Reduced unnecessary repairs and rework

At GBC Weld Works, we believe that quality inspection means evaluating welds against the applicable Standard, not personal opinion.

Compliance is determined by measurable acceptance criteria, not by achieving a visually perfect weld.