How long after the completion of welding should visual acceptance criteria for ASTM A514 and A517 steels be performed?

Visual acceptance criteria for ASTM A514 and A517 steels must be performed within 48 hours after the completion of welding to ensure that any imperfections, defects, or discontinuities are assessed while still fresh and recognizable. This timeframe is critical because it allows for the evaluation of the weld quality before any potential changes occur due to environmental effects or the cooling and hardening of the material. Performing the visual inspection within this 48-hour window ensures that the weld meets the required standards for strength and integrity, which is essential in applications where these high-strength steels are used. Thus, the correct answer is essential to maintaining the standards set for these specific steel grades in welding practices.