Visual testing in weld inspection primarily assesses what?

Visual testing in weld inspection plays a crucial role in identifying surface defects and discontinuities, which can significantly impact the integrity of the weld. This method allows inspectors to examine the outer surface of the weld and the surrounding material for issues such as cracks, undercuts, porosity, and incomplete fusion. These defects can compromise the weld's performance under load and lead to failure during service.

While assessing the size and shape of the welded joints is also important, visual inspection is predominantly focused on the surface characteristics rather than the geometric dimensions. The chemical composition of the weld is typically evaluated through other methods, such as chemical analysis or metallography, rather than visual inspection. Additionally, determining the overall strength of a weld usually requires more sophisticated testing methods, such as tensile or bend tests, rather than relying on visual assessment alone.

Thus, the primary focus of visual testing in weld inspection is correctly indicated by the assessment of surface defects and discontinuities.