This document discusses artifacts that may appear on radiographic films. It defines several types of artifacts including burned film, chemical stains, crimp marks, lead foil scratches, light leaks, pressure marks, sand/dirt marks, scratch marks, static marks, water marks, and roller marks from automatic processing. For each artifact, it provides an example radiographic image and brief description of how the artifact is caused. The purpose is to help trainees identify and understand artifacts that could affect the interpretation of radiographic images.

1. NKS
Presented byPresented by
N.KuppusamyN.Kuppusamy
THE NDT HORIZONTHE NDT HORIZON
The Boundary of QA/QC, where no detrimental anomaly can escape
ONE STOP TRAINING CENTER
RADIOGRAPHIC FILM INTERPRETATION
Part-1 Welding Defects

2. NKS
WELDING TERMINOLOGIES
• This diagram shows an
overhead view of a single V-
groove weld plate .
• Listed below are the definitions
of a particular weld
configuration. These areas are
shown as a reminder and may
be mentioned during the
training and interpretation test.
• - weld face
• - weld toe
• - parent or base metal
• - weld metal
• - weld root
Weld face
Weld metal
Weld toe
Parent or
base metal
Weld root
NKS
MONITOR ADJUSTMENT
You may need to adjust the brightness and contrast of your monitor.
Make any changes necessary to improve the radiograph.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
BURNED FILM
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Dark of discolored film which has
been damaged by excessive heat.
Burned film can be located in any
area of the film.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
This was caused when the film
cassette was placed too close to
a hot pipe. The film cassette
melted damaging the film and
creating a light leak.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
CHEMICAL
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE
Lighter or darker density
areas that may or may
not be in the weld area.
CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION:
This is an example of a film artifact created by water or possibly fixer
solution splashed on the film prior to development.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
CHEMICAL
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Lighter of darker density stains
located in any area of the film.
Chemical stains can be rounded
or elongated.
CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION:
Chemical stains can occur from developer or fixes splashing
on the film during the processing stage
NKS
ARTIFACTSCHEMICAL
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Lighter of darker density
stains located in any area of
the film. Chemical stains can
be rounded or elongated.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Chemical stains can occur from
developer or fixes splashing on the
film during the processing stage
NKS
ARTIFACTS
CHEMICAL
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Lighter of darker density stains located in any area of the film.
Chemical stains can be rounded or elongated.
CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION:
Chemical stains can occur from developer or fixes splashing on the film
during the processing stage
NKS
ARTIFACTS
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Chemical stains can occur from
developer or fixes splashing on the
film during the processing stage
CHEMICAL
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Lighter of darker density stains located
in any area of the film. Chemical stains
can be rounded or elongated.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
CHEMICAL
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Lighter of darker density stains located in any area of the film.
Chemical stains can be rounded or elongated.
CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION:
Chemical stains can occur from developer or fixes splashing on the film
during the processing stage
NKS
ARTIFACTSCHEMICAL
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Lighter of darker density stains
located in any area of the film.
Chemical stains can be rounded
or elongated.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Chemical stains can occur from
developer or fixes splashing on
the film during the processing
stage
NKS
ARTIFACTS
CHEMICAL
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Lighter of darker density stains
located in any area of the film.
Chemical stains can be rounded
or elongated.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Chemical stains can occur from
developer or fixes splashing on
the film during the processing
stage
NKS
ARTIFACTS
CRIMP MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density crimp marks after
an exposure and lighter density
crimp marks before the
exposure.
Crimp marks can be located in
any area of the film
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Crimp marks take place when
the film is bent during the
handling of the film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
CRIMP MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density crimp marks after
an exposure and lighter density
crimp marks before the
exposure.
Crimp marks can be located in
any area of the film
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Crimp marks take place when
the film is bent during the
handling of the film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
CRIMP MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density crimp marks after
an exposure and lighter density
crimp marks before the
exposure.
Crimp marks can be located in
any area of the film
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Crimp marks take place when
the film is bent during the
handling of the film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
CRIMP MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density crimp marks after
an exposure and lighter density
crimp marks before the
exposure.
Crimp marks can be located in
any area of the film
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Crimp marks take place when
the film is bent during the
handling of the film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
CRIMP MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density crimp marks after
an exposure and lighter density
crimp marks before the
exposure.
Crimp marks can be located in
any area of the film
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Crimp marks take place when
the film is bent during the
handling of the film.

3. NKS
ARTIFACTS
CRIMP MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density crimp marks after
an exposure and lighter density
crimp marks before the
exposure.
Crimp marks can be located in
any area of the film
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Crimp marks take place when
the film is bent during the
handling of the film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
LEAD FOIL SCRATCH
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
A light line traveling the
length of the film. This type of
film artifact can occur in any
area of the film.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Scratches on the lead screen
or damaged lead caused by
excessive bending
NKS
ARTIFACTS
LEAD FOIL SCRATCH
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
A light line traveling the
length of the film. This type of
film artifact can occur in any
area of the film.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Scratches on the lead screen
or damaged lead caused by
excessive bending
NKS
ARTIFACTS
LIGHT LEAKE
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density areas that
may or may not he in the
weld area.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Light leaks are caused by a
damaged film cassette
allowing light to expose the
film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
LIGHT LEAKE
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density areas that may or
may not he in the weld area.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Light leaks are caused by a
damaged film cassette allowing
light to expose the film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
LIGHT LEAKE
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density areas that
may or may not he in the
weld area.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Light leaks are caused by a
damaged film cassette
allowing light to expose the
film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
LIGHT LEAKE
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density areas that may or may not
he in the weld area.
CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION:
Light leaks are caused by a damaged film
cassette allowing light to expose the film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
LIGHT LEAKE
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density areas that
may or may not he in the
weld area.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Light leaks are caused by a
damaged film cassette
allowing light to expose the
film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
LIGHT LEAKE
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density areas that
may or may not he in the
weld area.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Light leaks are caused by a
damaged film cassette
allowing light to expose the
film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
PRESSURE MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker or lighter density
areas that may or may not be
in the weld area.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
This is an example of
pressure marks placed on
the film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
SAND OR DIRT MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Lighter density small rounded areas that may
or may not be in the weld area
CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION:
Caused by sand of dirt between the lead and
the film. This can be corrected by wiping the
lead screens with a soft cloth.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
SAND OR DIRT MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Lighter density small rounded
areas that may or may not be in
the weld area
CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION:
Caused by sand of dirt between the
lead and the film. This can be
corrected by wiping the lead screens
with a soft cloth.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
SCRATCH MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Lighter or dark density areas that
may or may not be in the weld area.
CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION:
Caused by rough handling of the
film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
SCRATCH MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Lighter or dark density
areas that may or may not
be in the weld area.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Caused by rough
handling of the film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
SCRATCH MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Lighter or dark density areas that
may or may not be in the weld area.
CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION:
Caused by rough handling of the
film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
SCRATCH MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Lighter or dark density
areas that may or may not
be in the weld area.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Caused by rough
handling of the film.

4. NKS
ARTIFACTS
SCRATCH MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Lighter or dark density areas
that may or may not be in
the weld area.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Caused by rough handling
of the film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
STATIC MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Dark density areas that may
or may not be in the weld
area.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Caused by rough handling
or moved rapidly dining
loading or unloading of the
film cassette. It may also
occur by rapid removal of
the paper wrapper used
as an interleaf
NKS
ARTIFACTS
STATIC MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Dark density areas that may
or may not be in the weld
area.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Caused by rough handling
or moved rapidly dining
loading or unloading of the
film cassette. It may also
occur by rapid removal of
the paper wrapper used
as an interleaf
NKS
ARTIFACTS
WATER MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Light blemishes on the surface of
the film. Water marks may be
located in any area of the film.
CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION:
Caused by water drops drying on
the film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
WATER MARKS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Light blemishes on the surface of the film. Water
marks may be located in any area of the film.
CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION:
Caused by water drops drying on the film.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
ROLLER MARKS
(AUTOMATIC
PROCESSING)
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Dark density indications
located in any area of the
film.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Caused by dirty rollers
from an automatic
processor.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
ROLLER MARKS (AUTOMATIC
PROCESSING)
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Dark density indications located in any area
of the film.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Caused by dirty rollers from
an automatic processor.
NKS
ARTIFACTS
ROLLER MARKS (AUTOMATIC PROCESSING)
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Dark density indications located
in any area of the film.
CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION:
Caused by dirty rollers from an
automatic processor.
NKS
BURN THROUGH
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density voids in the
center of the weld image.
May of may not be wider
than the toot pass image
width.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
A very severe crater hole or
depression at the root of the
weld. It usually is not
elongated.
NKS
BURN THROUGH
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density voids in the
center of the weld image.
May of may not be wider
than the toot pass image
width.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
A very severe crater
hole or depression at
the root of the weld. It
usually is not elongated.
NKS
BURN THROUGH
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density voids in the
center of the weld image.
May of may not be wider than
the toot pass image width.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
A very severe crater hole
or depression at the root of
the weld. It usually is not
elongated.
NKS
BURN THROUGH
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density voids in the center
of the weld image. May of may
not be wider than the toot pass
image width.
CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION:
A very severe crater hole or
depression at the root of the weld.
It usually is not elongated.
NKS
BURN THROUGH
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density voids in the
center of the weld image.
May of may not be wider
than the toot pass image
width.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
A very severe crater
hole or depression at
the root of the weld. It
usually is not elongated.
NKS
BURN THROUGH
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density voids in the
center of the weld image.
May of may not be wider
than the toot pass image
width.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
A very severe crater hole
or depression at the root
of the weld. It usually is
not elongated.
NKS
BURN THROUGH
RADIOGRAPHIC
IMAGE:
Darker density voids in
the center of the weld
image. May of may not
be wider than the toot
pass image width.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
A very severe crater
hole or depression at
the root of the weld. It
usually is not
elongated.
NKS
BURN THROUGH
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density voids in the
center of the weld image. May of
may not be wider than the toot
pass image width.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
A very severe crater hole or
depression at the root of the
weld. It usually is not elongated.

5. NKS
BURN THROUGH
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density voids in the
center of the weld image. May of
may not be wider than the toot
pass image width.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
A very severe crater hole or
depression at the root of the
weld. It usually is not elongated.
NKS
EXTERNAL CONCAVITY
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Various large sections of
various widths at the weld
metal surface have a
darker density compared to
the parent metal or rest of
the weld crown.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
On the surface of the weld
crown it is somewhat
concave below the level of
parent metal.
NKS
EXCESS CAPPING
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
The weld metal is lighter and little or none
of the root image can be detected. Very
distinct density difference between the
parent and weld metal.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
There is an excessive amount of
weld crown.
NKS
EXCESS CAPPING
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
The weld metal is lighter and little or
none of the root image can be
detected. Very distinct density
difference between the parent and
weld metal.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
There is an excessive amount of
weld crown.
NKS
SUCK BACK – ROOT CONCAVITY
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density at the center width of
the weld. The width of the concavity
is generally much wider than a crack,
and runs lengthwise. The edges are
indistinct.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
The weld root pass has a
depression at the center surface of
the loot.
NKS
CENTERLINE CRACK
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Fine dark winding lines
open to the surface at the
center of the weld width:
and running parallel or
almost parallel to the
center line.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
A crack at the surface,
usually winding at the
center of the weld crown.
NKS
LONGITUDINAL CRACK
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density zigzagging
lines at any location in the
weld Cunning lengthwise.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
A clack running lengthwise in
the weld metal.
NOTE: A longitudinal clack and
longitudinal toot clack could be
identified as the same defect.
In this training program the
same radiograph is used. Any
cracking no matter the location
is most often a rejectable
defect.
NKS
ROOT CRACK
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density
zigzagging lines at any
location in the weld running
lengthwise.
CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION:
A crack running lengthwise in the weld metal.
NOTE: A longitudinal crack and longitudinal root crack could be identified as the
same defect. In this training program the same radiograph is used. Any cracking
no matter the location is most often a rejectable defect.
NKS
SIDEWALL CRACK
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Fine dark winding lines
found between the outer
edge of the weld and the
root pass.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
A crack running parallel
to the weld center line
NKS
SUB-SURFACE CRACK
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Appear as fine winding
darker density lines that
run lengthwise with the
weld.
CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION:
A crack raveling parallel with the weld. and may be slightly winding along its
length. This weld is ground flush with the patent metal; this type of cracking is
usually caused by improper cooling.
NKS
SUB-SURFACE CRACK
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Dark fine wavy lines
located on the outer area
near the weld.
CONFIGURATION DESCRIPTION:
A crack running parallel or almost parallel to the weld clown which may he
orientated in the parent metal, weld junction, or weld metal.
NKS
TRANSVERSE CRACK
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Appeal as fine darker
density lines that run
across the width of the
weld metal.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
A fracture or interruption
running across the weld
metal.
NKS
TRANSVERSE CRACK
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Appeal as fine darker
density lines that run
across the width of the
weld metal.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
A fracture or interruption
running across the weld
metal.
NKS
INSUFFICIENT FILL
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density areas
across the weld crown and
into the parent metal.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Areas of the parent metal
and weld metal have been
removed below the normal
level of the pat em metal
NKS
INSUFFICIENT FILL
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density areas
across the weld crown and
into the parent metal.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Areas of the parent metal
and weld metal have been
removed below the normal
level of the pat em metal
NKS
INSUFFICIENT FILL
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density areas
across the weld crown and
into the parent metal.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Areas of the parent metal
and weld metal have been
removed below the normal
level of the pat em metal

6. NKS
LACK OF FUSION
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density areas
across the weld crown and
into the parent metal.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Areas of the parent metal
and weld metal have been
removed below the normal
level of the parent metal.
NKS
LACK OF SIDE WALL FUSION
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density single of
parallel lines with or
without spots, running
straight and lengthwise
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated voids along the
weld side wall between the
joint surfaces and the weld
beads.
NKS
LACK OF SIDE WALL FUSION
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density single of
parallel lines with or
without spots, running
straight and lengthwise
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated voids along the
weld side wall between the
joint surfaces and the weld
beads.
NKS
LACK OF SIDE WALL FUSION
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density single of
parallel lines with or
without spots, running
straight and lengthwise
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated voids along the
weld side wall between the
joint surfaces and the weld
beads.
NKS
LACK OF SIDE WALL FUSION
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density single of
parallel lines with or
without spots, running
straight and lengthwise
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated voids along the
weld side wall between the
joint surfaces and the weld
beads.
NKS
LACK OF SIDE WALL FUSION
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density single of
parallel lines with or
without spots, running
straight and lengthwise
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated voids along the
weld side wall between the
joint surfaces and the weld
beads.
NKS
LACK OF SIDE WALL FUSION
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density single of
parallel lines with or
without spots, running
straight and lengthwise
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated voids along the
weld side wall between the
joint surfaces and the weld
beads.
NKS
MIS-ALIGNMENT
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
A distinct density change
going from a lighter to a
darker density across the
weld width.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
A misalignment of the
segments that are welded.
NKS
IRREGULAR ROOT PENETRATION
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Light density irregular
shapes running lengthwise
at the center of the weld.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Random areas of extra weld
metal extending beyond the
normal toot pass.
NKS
IRREGULAR ROOT
PENETRATION
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Light density irregular
shapes running lengthwise
at the center of the weld.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Random areas of extra weld
metal extending beyond the
normal toot pass.
NKS
LACK OF PENETRATION
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
A darker density wide line
running lengthwise in the
center of the weld. The
edges of the line are very
distinct and straight.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
The edges of the segments
have not been welded
together. Found normally at
the bottom of single V-
groove welds.
NKS
LACK OF PENETRATION
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
A darker density wide line
running lengthwise in the
center of the weld. The
edges of the line are very
distinct and straight.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
The edges of the segments
have not been welded
together. Found normally at
the bottom of single V-
groove welds.
NKS
LACK OF
PENETRATION
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
A darker density wide line
running lengthwise in the
center of the weld. The
edges of the line are very
distinct and straight.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
The edges of the segments
have not been welded
together. Found normally at
the bottom of single V-
groove welds.
NKS
LACK OF
PENETRATION
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
A darker density wide line
running lengthwise in the
center of the weld. The
edges of the line are very
distinct and straight.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
The edges of the segments
have not been welded
together. Found normally at
the bottom of single V-
groove welds.
NKS
EXCESS
PENETRATION
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
A lighter density indication
innning lengthwise in the
center of the weld
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
An excess of metal at the
root of the weld.
NKS
EXCESS
PENETRATION
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
A lighter density indication
innning lengthwise in the
center of the weld
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
An excess of metal at the
root of the weld.

7. NKS
EXCESS
PENETRATION
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
A lighter density indication
innning lengthwise in the
center of the weld
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
An excess of metal at the
root of the weld.
NKS
EXCESS
PENETRATION
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
A lighter density indication
innning lengthwise in the
center of the weld
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
An excess of metal at the
root of the weld.
NKS
POROSITY – Aligned Root
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Danker density elongated
or rounded spots that may
or may not be connected.
running lengthwise at the
center width of the weld.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
found at the weld bottom
and aligned along the center
line of the weld.
NKS
POROSITY -
Surface
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Elongated or rounded
voids randomly grouped
together and found both in
the patent or weld metal.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly found together in
clusters.
CLUSTER
NKS
POROSITY - Cluster
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Elongated or rounded
voids randomly grouped
together and found both in
the patent or weld metal.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly found together in
clusters.
NKS
POROSITY - Cluster
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Elongated or rounded
voids randomly grouped
together and found both in
the patent or weld metal.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly found together in
clusters.
NOTE: There is a slight
amount of wormhole
porosity.
NKS
POROSITY - Cluster
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Elongated or rounded
voids randomly grouped
together and found both in
the patent or weld metal.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly found together in
clusters.
NOTE: There is a slight
amount of wormhole
porosity.
NKS
POROSITY - Cluster
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Elongated or rounded
voids randomly grouped
together and found both in
the patent or weld metal.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly found together in
clusters.
NKS
POROSITY - Cluster
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Elongated or rounded
voids randomly grouped
together and found both in
the patent or weld metal.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly found together in
clusters.
NKS
POROSITY - Cluster
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Elongated or rounded
voids randomly grouped
together and found both in
the patent or weld metal.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly found together in
clusters.
NKS
POROSITY - Cluster
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Elongated or rounded
voids randomly grouped
together and found both in
the patent or weld metal.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly found together in
clusters.
NKS
POROSITY - Surface
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Random darker density
spots. Usually not as
centralized in the middle of
the weld as weld body
porosity.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly scattered towards
the surface of the weld
crown.
NKS
POROSITY –
weld body
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Random danker density
spots. Usually more
centralized in the middle of
the weld although still
random in location and
size.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly scattered through
the main weld body.
NKS
POROSITY
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Random danker density
spots. Usually more
centralized in the middle of
the weld although still
random in location and
size.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly scattered through
the main weld body.
NKS
POROSITY
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Random danker density
spots. Usually more
centralized in the middle of
the weld although still
random in location and
size.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly scattered through
the main weld body.
NKS
POROSITY
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Random danker density
spots. Usually more
centralized in the middle of
the weld although still
random in location and
size.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly scattered through
the main weld body.

8. NKS
POROSITY
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Random danker density
spots. Usually more
centralized in the middle of
the weld although still
random in location and
size.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly scattered through
the main weld body.
NKS
POROSITY
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Random danker density
spots. Usually more
centralized in the middle of
the weld although still
random in location and
size.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly scattered through
the main weld body.
NKS
POROSITY
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Random danker density
spots. Usually more
centralized in the middle of
the weld although still
random in location and
size.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly scattered through
the main weld body.
NKS
POROSITY
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Random danker density
spots. Usually more
centralized in the middle of
the weld although still
random in location and
size.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly scattered through
the main weld body.
NKS
POROSITY
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Random danker density spots.
Usually more centralized in the
middle of the weld although
still random in location and
size.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly scattered through
the main weld body.
NKS
POROSITY
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Random danker density
spots. Usually more
centralized in the middle of
the weld although still
random in location and
size.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly scattered through
the main weld body.
NKS
POROSITY
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Random danker density
spots. Usually more
centralized in the middle of
the weld although still
random in location and
size.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly scattered through
the main weld body.
NKS
POROSITY
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Random danker density
spots. Usually more
centralized in the middle of
the weld although still
random in location and
size.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly scattered through
the main weld body.
NKS
POROSITY
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Random danker density
spots. Usually more
centralized in the middle of
the weld although still
random in location and
size.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly scattered through
the main weld body.
NKS
POROSITY
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Random danker density
spots. Usually more
centralized in the middle of
the weld although still
random in location and
size.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated or rounded voids
randomly scattered through
the main weld body.
NKS
POROSITY – warm holes
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Elongated or rounded
voids randomly grouped
together and found both in
the patent or weld metal
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Elongated voids in the weld
metal due to cooling while
the gas pockets were
floating to the surface
NKS
SLAG LINES
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darket density parallel
lines traveling in a
lengthwise direction on
both sides of the welded
segments near the toot.
The width may vary. and
the lines twist or wind
slightly. Not to be confused
with "Lack of Side Wall
Fusion".
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Impurities that have
solidified and have not been
removed between welding
passes
NKS
SLAG LINES
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density parallel
lines traveling in a
lengthwise direction on
both sides of the welded
segments near the toot.
The width may vary. and
the lines twist or wind
slightly. Not to be confused
with "Lack of Side Wall
Fusion".
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Impurities that have
solidified and have not been
removed between welding
passes
NKS
SLAG LINES
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density parallel
lines traveling in a
lengthwise direction on
both sides of the welded
segments near the toot.
The width may vary. and
the lines twist or wind
slightly. Not to be confused
with "Lack of Side Wall
Fusion".
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Impurities that have
solidified and have not been
removed between welding
passes
NKS
SLAG INCLUSIONS
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Dark elongated of irregular
shaped indications with or
without sharp cornets that
ate randomly located.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Weld slag or other impurities
that are trapped in the weld
metal.
NKS
SLAG LINES
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density parallel
lines traveling in a
lengthwise direction on
both sides of the welded
segments near the toot.
The width may vary. and
the lines twist or wind
slightly. Not to be confused
with "Lack of Side Wall
Fusion".
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Impurities that have
solidified and have not been
removed between welding
passes

9. NKS
SLAG LINES
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density parallel
lines traveling in a
lengthwise direction on
both sides of the welded
segments near the toot.
The width may vary. and
the lines twist or wind
slightly. Not to be confused
with "Lack of Side Wall
Fusion".
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Impurities that have
solidified and have not been
removed between welding
passes
NKS
SLAG LINES
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density parallel
lines traveling in a
lengthwise direction on
both sides of the welded
segments near the toot.
The width may vary. and
the lines twist or wind
slightly. Not to be confused
with "Lack of Side Wall
Fusion".
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Impurities that have
solidified and have not been
removed between welding
passes
NKS
SLAG LINES
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density parallel
lines traveling in a
lengthwise direction on
both sides of the welded
segments near the toot.
The width may vary. and
the lines twist or wind
slightly. Not to be confused
with "Lack of Side Wall
Fusion".
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Impurities that have
solidified and have not been
removed between welding
passes
NKS
SPATTER
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Light rounded indication
that will look like surface
spatter. These indication
will be located in the
bottom of a pipe and are
cleaned during the welding
process of pipe
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Weld slag or other impurities
that are trapped inside a
pipe.
NKS
SPATTER
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Light rounded indication that
will look like surface spatter.
These indication will be located
in the bottom of a pipe and are
cleaned during the welding
process of pipe
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Weld slag or other impurities
that are trapped inside a
pipe.
NKS
SPATTER
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Light rounded indication
that will look like surface
spatter. These indication
will be located in the
bottom of a pipe and are
cleaned during the welding
process of pipe
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Weld slag or other impurities
that are trapped inside a
pipe.
NKS
SPATTER
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Light rounded indication
that will look like surface
spatter. These indication
will be located in the
bottom of a pipe and are
cleaned during the welding
process of pipe
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Weld slag or other impurities
that are trapped inside a
pipe.
NKS
Tungsten Inclusion
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Lighter density indications
that are irregular in shape
and located randomly in
the weld metal. These
flaws appear as light
indications.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Tungsten bits that are not
melted but fused tan (loftily
into the weld metal.
NKS
Tungsten Inclusion
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Lighter density indications
that are irregular in shape
and located randomly in
the weld metal. These
flaws appear as light
indications.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Tungsten bits that are not
melted but fused tan (loftily
into the weld metal.
NKS
EXTERNAL UNDERCUT
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density along the
outer edge of the weld
crown.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Along the top external weld
surface edge. there is a
gouging out of the segment
metal. This may only occur
on one side of the weld
crown edge, or on both
sides.
NKS
EXTERNAL UNDERCUT
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density along the
outer edge of the weld
crown.
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Along the top external weld
surface edge. there is a
gouging out of the segment
metal. This may only occur
on one side of the weld
crown edge, or on both
sides.
NKS
INTERNAL UNDERCUT
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density indication
cunning lengthwise near
the center width that
appears at the edge or
near the root pass
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Along the bottom internal
weld surface edge there is a
gouging out of the parent
metal. This may occur on
one side or both sides of the
root.
NKS
INTERNAL
UNDERCUT
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
Darker density indication
cunning lengthwise near
the center width that
appears at the edge or
near the root pass
CONFIGURATION
DESCRIPTION:
Along the bottom internal
weld surface edge there is a
gouging out of the parent
metal. This may occur on
one side or both sides of the
root.
NKS
OFFSET or MISMATCH (Hi-Lo):
A misalignment of the pieces to be welded
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
An abrupt change in film density across the width of the
weld image
NKS
2-OFFSET or MISMATCH with Lack of Penetration (LOP):
A misalignment of the pieces to be welded and insufficient
filling of the bottom o the weld or Root Area.
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
An abrupt density change across the width of the weld image with a straight
longitudinal darker density line at the center of the width of the weld image
along the edge of the density change.
NKS
3. EXTERNAL CONCAVITY or INSUFFICIENT FILL
A depression in the top of the weld, or cover pass,
indicating a thinner than normal section thickness
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE:
A weld density darker than the density of the pieces being welded
and extending across the full width of the weld image.

10. NKS
4 Excessive Penetration:
Extra metal at the root of the weld
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE
A lighter density in the center of the width of the weld image,
either extended along the weld or in isolated circular ‘Drops’
NKS
5 External Undercut
A gouging out of the piece to be welded, alongside the edge of
the top or “external” surface of the weld.
Radiographic Image:
An irregular darker density along the edge of the weld image. The density will
always be darker than the density of the pieces being welded
NKS
6- Internal (Root) Undercut:
A gouging out of the parent metal, alongside the edge
of the bottom or “internal” surface of the weld.
Radiographic Image:
An irregular darker density near the centre of the width of the weld image and
along the edge of the root.
NKS
7- Internal Concavity (Suck Back):
A depression in the center of the surface
of the root pass.
Radiographic Image:
An elongated irregular darker density with fuzzy edges, in the
center of the width of the weld image.
NKS
8- Burn Through:
A severe depression or a crater type hole at the bottom
of the weld but usually not elongated.
Radiographic Image:
A localized darker density with fuzzy edges in the center of the width of the weld
image. It may be wider than the width of the root pass image.
NKS
9- Incomplete or Lack of Penetration:
The edges of the pieces have not been welded together,
usually at the bottom of single V-groove welds.
Radiographic Image:
A darker density band, with very straight edges, in the center of the width of the
weld image
NKS
10- Inter-pass Slag Inclusions:
Usually non-metallic impurities that solidified on the weld
surface and were not removed between weld passes.
Radiographic Image:
An irregularly shaped darker density spot, usually slightly elongated and
randomly spaced.
NKS
11- Elongated Slag lines (Wagon Track):
Impurities that solidified on the surface after welding
and were not removed between passes.
Radiographic Image:
Elongated, parallel or single darker density lines, irregular in width and
slightly winding in the lengthwise direction.
NKS
12- Lack of Side Wall Fusion (LOF)
Elongated voids between the weld beads and the joint
surface.
Radiographic Image:
Elongated parallel, or single darker density lines sometimes with darker spots
dispersed along the LOF lines which are very straight in the lengthwise
direction and not winding like elongated slag lines.
NKS
13- Interpass Cold Lap:
Lack of fusion areas along the top surface and edge
of lower passes.
Radiographic Image:
Small spot of darker densities, some with slightly elongated tails, aligned
in the welding direction and not in the center of he width of the weld
image.
NKS
14- Scattered Porosity:
Rounded voids random in size and location.
Radiographic Image:
Rounded spots of darker densities random in size and location.
NKS
15- Cluster Porosity:
Rounded or slightly elongated voids grouped
together
Radiographic Image:
Rounded or slightly elongated darker density spots in clusters
with the cluster randomly spaced.
NKS
16- Root Aligned Porosity:
Rounded and elongated voids in the bottom of the weld
aligned along the weld centerline.
Radiographic Image:
Rounded and elongated darker density spots, that may be connected in a
straight line in the center of the width of the weld image.
NKS
17- Transverse Crack:
A fracture in the weld metal running across the weld.
Radiographic Image:
Feathery, twisting line of darker density running across the width of the
weld image.
NKS
18- Longitudinal Crack:
A fracture in the weld metal running lengthwise in the
welding direction.
Radiographic Image:
Feathery, twisting lines of darker density running lengthwise along the
weld at any location in the width of weld image.
NKS
19- Longitudinal Root Crack:
A fracture in the weld metal at the edge of the root pass
Radiographic Image:
Feathery, twisting lines of darker density along the edge of the image of the root
pass. The “twisting” feature helps to distinguish the root crack from incomplete
root penetration.

11. NKS
20- Tungsten Inclusions:
Random bits of tungsten fused into but not melted into the weld
meta.
Radiographic Image:
Irregularly shaped lower density spots randomly located in the weld image.
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