Welding quality control: A pillar of Nicro’s production process
Welding quality control: A pillar of Nicro’s production process
At Nicro, the welding process follows a controlled, traceable, and methodically structured path. At Nicro Spa, quality is not something that appears only at the end of the production cycle it is an integral part of every phase, from material preparation to the final inspection of the finished product.
To control means to understand. That’s why we support our operators with qualified technicians, certified tools, and non-destructive testing (NDT) methods capable of detecting even the smallest anomalies, whether visible or not. The goal is to ensure that welds comply with regulatory standards while also delivering reliable, long-lasting performance in service.
This rigorous and structured approach enables us to confidently meet the demands of the most critical industrial sectors such as, for example, the steel, heat treatment, and naval industries where welding quality is not just a value-added feature, but an essential requirement.
A certified and traceable quality system
A production process is only as reliable as its management system. At Nicro Spa, ISO 9001:2015 certification is not just a label to display, it is a practical tool that guides our daily operations, from the reception of raw materials to the final testing of the product.
We adhere to rigorously documented internal procedures designed to minimize variability and ensure repeatability and consistency of results. Every operation is tracked, verifiable, and subject to systematic controls. This means each production batch can be traced back to specific materials, operators, equipment, and working conditions.
Our commitment goes beyond formal compliance. For us, ISO certification represents a framework for continuous improvement: every deviation from conformity is analyzed, every piece of feedback turned into corrective action, and every inspection viewed as an opportunity to further refine the process.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): safeguarding integrity, detecting the invisible
In our field, it’s not enough for a part to appear compliant “at first glance.” We must go deeper, examining the interior, the surface, and the layers beneath the finish. This is where non-destructive testing comes into play: essential tools for detecting latent defects without compromising the integrity of the component.
At Nicro, we apply a variety of NDT methods depending on the type and criticality of the component, the material involved, and the customer’s specific requirements. From visual testing (VT) and penetrant testing (PT) to more in-depth radiographic testing (RT), each technique is performed according to standardized procedures by personnel qualified under international standards (such as UNI EN ISO 9712 / SNT TC-1A).
The objective is not simply to “find the flaw,” but to ensure the structural integrity of the component in its real operating context where conditions are often critical, and the consequences of a defect can be significant not only economically, but also in terms of operations and safety.
Visual Testing (VT): the first line of weld inspection
Visual testing (VT) is the first and fundamental step in the weld quality verification process. At Nicro Spa, this task is entrusted to specialized technicians trained to detect even the subtlest imperfections and to correctly interpret the acceptance criteria defined by applicable standards.
Through careful and methodical inspection, visual testing allows the identification of surface defects such as cracks, porosity, lack or excess of penetration, bead irregularities, and more.
If left undetected, these anomalies could compromise the strength and functionality of the welded joint.
VT not only provides immediate feedback, but it is often the necessary preliminary step before proceeding with more advanced non-destructive testing techniques, such as penetrant testing or radiographic inspection.
Penetrant Testing (PT): precision in surface flaw detection
Penetrant testing (PT) is an essential non-destructive technique for detecting surface defects invisible to the naked eye, such as cracks, porosity, or fissures that could compromise the quality and longevity of a component.
At Nicro Spa, we perform color contrast testing, primarily applied to welds and the surfaces of fabricated parts, where discontinuities may pose a risk to the safety and reliability of the assembly.
The procedure involves using a low surface tension liquid that penetrates open discontinuities on the surface of the material. After a designated dwell time, the excess liquid is removed, and a developer is applied. This reacts with the penetrant left in the defects, making any discontinuities clearly visible.
The entire process is carried out by qualified and trained personnel, following standardized procedures and international standards to ensure maximum reliability and repeatability of results.
Radiographic Testing (RT): Volumetric Assurance of Welds
Radiographic testing (RT) is one of the most advanced and reliable techniques for internal analysis of welds and welded joints, allowing for the detection of defects that cannot be identified through visual or surface inspection.
At Nicro Spa, RT is mainly used in high-criticality sectors such as energy, oil & gas, and pharmaceutical-chemical industries, where structural integrity and safety are non-negotiable.
The technique is based on the emission of ionizing radiation (X-rays or gamma rays) that penetrates the component and produces a detailed image of the internal structure of the welded joint on radiographic film or digital detectors. This enables the detection of volumetric defects such as inclusions, internal cracks, porosity, and other discontinuities not visible from the outside.
To ensure the highest quality and reliability, Nicro collaborates with certified external operators for the execution of radiography, while the image reading and interpretation are performed by highly specialized in-house technicians trained according to international standards such as UNI EN ISO 9712.
RT not only ensures compliance with technical specifications and applicable standards, but also serves as a crucial preventive measure—helping to avoid failures and plant downtime, and thus delivering tangible added value to our clients.
Towards manufacturing excellence: the tangible benefits of Nicro’s quality control
Weld quality control is not merely a technical step, it is the assurance that every component produced by Nicro Spa meets the strictest standards of safety, reliability, and performance required by the most demanding industrial sectors.
This integrated approach helps prevent defects, reduce post-sale risks, and provide end customers with the confidence that they are receiving high-quality products, capable of delivering long-lasting performance even under critical operating conditions.
Furthermore, product quality is closely tied to the efficiency of the equipment and systems used during production across various industries. Nicro continually invests in cutting-edge technology and modern facilities to ensure optimized production processes, precision, and consistent operational performance.
