White layer on edges of tig welded aluminum

[bspooner1125]

I'm curious to know what some people call a condition i'm seeing on aluminum tig welds. I see a sort of cracking in the white around aluminum tig welds. Is this considered crazing? This is in process weld inspection using FPI to find the indications. I was told by a former level 3 that it was not detrimental to the part but my current level 3 says to reject all of it. It all seems to be above the parent material.

 

[gtaw]

Aluminum is generally welded using alternating current when using GTAW. The benefit of AC is a phenomena call cathodic cleaning that removes the aluminum oxide from the surfaces adjacent to the weld. A couple of minutes with a stiff stainless wire brush after welding (but before performing PT) will remove the majority of the surface conditions causing the penetrant indications you mentioned.

Best regards - Al

 

I agree; I think what you are describing is superficial only and can be removed.

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but they are not entitled to their own facts."