Are any cracks acceptable under IS 10243?

No. Cracks of any size or type are not permitted for any of the three weld quality classes (Tables 1, 2, and 3).

What are the three classes of welds defined in the code?

Class 1 for the highest quality requirements (e.g., critical pressure vessels), Class 2 for general purpose engineering (most common), and Class 3 for less critical applications (Clause 3).

What is the difference in acceptance for slag inclusions between Class 1 and Class 2 welds?

Class 1 has much stricter limits. For a given plate thickness, the maximum permissible length and width of a slag inclusion are significantly smaller for Class 1 compared to Class 2 (Table 1 vs Table 2).

IS 10243 Part 1

: 1982

Acceptance Levels for Discontinuities in Welds - Part 1: Radiographic Examination

CurrentSpecializedSpecificationMaterials Science · Steel and Reinforcement

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This standard provides acceptance criteria for discontinuities in steel butt welds based on radiographic examination. It establishes three quality classes for welds and provides detailed tables specifying the permissible type, size, and distribution of defects like porosity, slag inclusions, and lack of penetration.

Specifies acceptance levels for discontinuities found in welds during radiographic examination.

Quick Reference Values

Crack acceptability0 mm (Not permitted for any class)

Lack of fusion acceptability0 mm (Not permitted for any class)

Max slag inclusion length (Class 2, t=20mm)10 mm

Max single pore diameter (Class 1, t=10mm)2.5 mm

Max single pore diameter (Class 3, t=10mm)3.5 mm

Practical Notes

This standard was reaffirmed in 2003. While still in use, many projects now specify newer international standards like ISO 5817 or ASME Section IX for weld quality.

The weld quality class (1, 2, or 3) is a critical design input and must be clearly specified in engineering drawings or contract documents before fabrication begins.

This code only provides acceptance limits; the procedure for conducting radiographic testing itself is covered in other standards like IS 2595.