Weld Joint Inspection

At Katayama, our assembly weld validation efforts go well beyond the ubiquitous “tear-down” testing that is common in the automotive industry.  Standard destructive tests are invaluable when assessing the quality of a welded joint, but more information can be gleaned by conducting a destructive test known as “Cut and Etch.”  This technique requires a sectioned weld sample to be corroded by exposure to nitric acid. The different materials present in the joint will corrode at different rates, allowing precise measurement of weld penetration to be made with the use of a microscope and special imaging software.