In welding, what is generally required to confirm conformity to specified grades?

In the context of welding, confirming conformity to specified grades typically necessitates the use of certification documents. These documents serve as official proof that the materials and processes used in welding meet the required standards and specifications set by regulatory bodies or industry standards. They provide detailed information about the materials, including their chemical and mechanical properties, as well as the qualifications of the welders and processes involved. This ensures that the welded joints will perform adequately under the expected service conditions.

While visual inspection and testing of materials are also critical in the welding process, they are more about verification and quality control rather than direct proof of conformity to specified grades. Visual inspection can identify obvious defects or imperfections, and testing of materials can assess performance characteristics. However, without the formal documentation of certification, it may be difficult to comprehensively demonstrate compliance with the specific grades outlined in project specifications. Certification documents thus play a pivotal role in the overall assurance of conformity.