Welding and Quality Control – The Key Essentials

By superadmin on December 16, 2021 in Blog

Welding is an important part of the metal fabrication process, and a single mistake can adversely affect the functionality and lifespan of the finished product. For this reason, it is crucial that quality-controlled welding stations are used to deliver a high-quality product which is structurally sound and designed to last. As one of the leading metal fabricators in Sydney, Mascot Steel are committed to quality and invest heavily in both equipment and training to ensure our clients satisfaction. In this blog post we will be sharing some of the key essentials for quality control and welding.

Maintaining Quality when Welding Steel

Manufacturing steel products is a labour-intensive process which relies on the efforts of both team members and advanced machinery. As metal fabricators are tasked with projects ranging in complexity, there are a few essential requirements which must be met in order to maintain quality and deliver the finished product on time and on budget. At the same time, consideration must be paid towards employee safety.

The four base requirements which should be met include:

 

  • Availability of Dedicated Welding Machines

 

Different machines are needed for different tasks. To ensure quality controlled assembly, a full-service metal fabricator should have access to the following welding machines within the welding station:

 

  • Stud Welders 

 

  • MIG Welders
  • Portable Welders
  • TIG Welders

 

 

Welding machines should have varying amp and diameter capacities, including some with a constant power output to prevent spatter. Spatter prevention is an important aspect of quality control, as it not only affects the finished product but also poses a burns risk for welders. 

 

  • Adherence to Spatter Prevention Best Practice

 

Welding is an involved process, and when working with different metals it is not uncommon for spatter to occur. Spatter can also occur due to user error, for example a voltage or amperage setting which is too high. Spatter can bounce, roll and ricochet off surfaces and poses a burns and eye-injury risk to anyone within close vicinity of the workspace.

Failing to implement spatter prevention strategies may result in increased frequency of welding accidents, and this in turn may adversely affect the structural integrity of metal fabrication projects. 

Weld spatter can be reduced by:

 

  • Using the appropriate welding wire based on fabrication project requirements

 

  • Ensuring the correct gas mixtures are used for each type of weld
  • Maintaining a clean and tidy workspace and replacing worn parts immediately
  • Ensuring appropriate torch angles are used
  • Using the correct arc voltage
  • Paying close attention to the wire stick-out length

 

 

 

  • Clear safety policies and an awareness of how safety can impact quality

 

There are a number of risks that welders are exposed to, and safety should be the number one priority of any metal fabricator. Looking after the health and safety of employees will ensure higher quality results and reduced production costs. 

Toxic compounds including hexavalent chromium are released when welding certain metals, including stainless steel. If inhaled, this toxin can damage the respiratory system. Reputable metal fabricators maintain an awareness of the importance of safety and how it can impact quality, with clear safety policies implemented to reduce risk of:

 

  • Burns

 

  • Impeded vision and cutting errors caused by the presence of weld smoke
  • Exposure to hexavalent chromium
  • Respiratory complications caused by long-term exposure to weld smoke
  • Fire

 

 

 

  • Training and Regular Safety Inspections

 

Education and on the job welding training is essential in maintaining quality and employee safety. This involves both hands on learning as well as education on the appropriate use of PPE, regular safety and equipment checks and consultation and involvement of workers in the WHS decision making process. 

Get a Quote for Steel Fabrication in Sydney Today

Mascot Steel are a leading supplier of steel products in Sydney, and we have branches in Mascot and Penrith. With more than 40+ years’ experience in delivering quality steel services and materials, we would welcome the opportunity to provide you with an obligation free quote.

 Please contact us today on (02) 9313 1313 or email sales@mascotsteel.com.au. We are open Monday to Friday from 7am-5pm and we look forward to serving you.