> Welds that Pass Inspection < While the goal is to join two pieces of metal, welding often involves a code specifying how the work should be performed. The basic idea is to run one or more weld "beads" along the joint so the sides fuse together without any gaps in between. By following the code, a welder insures a structure or object can withstand any impacts, vibrations, weathering, an earthquake, and the test of time. As the photo below illustrates, weld metal penetrates into and rises above the joint. Sometimes the final (or only) bead is ground or filed off at the top to leave a flush surface. More often, however, it's left in place to furnish extra strength and protection. A bead looks like a series of dimes laid tightly together across the joint. MillerWelds.com Of course, if you're constructing your own barbecue pit, or repairing tools in your shop, your welds won’t be subject to inspection. But if you're working on steel framing for a bridge, assembling a pressure vessel, or installing a long-distance pipeline, the scrutiny that comes into play is quite formidable. Organizations like the American Welding Society and American Society for Mechanical Engineers will often have a say about the procedures, materials and type of inspection needed before a weld can be declared acceptable. There's a good reason for all the fuss. A weld that fails can cause a structure to collapse. A leaking pipe caused by porosity in a weld can result in contamination or an explosion. Whether the end result is property damage, environmental consequences,
