This paper provides an overview of weld quality inspection for welded structures, focusing on preventing fatigue failures. It highlights the limitations of current quality control systems and discusses international weld quality standards. Additionally, it introduces a new online method for quality assurance, enabling accurate, repeatable evaluation of large quantities of welds. This method integrates digital visual inspection technology, specifically the Winteria system, which captures high-resolution images and uses sophisticated algorithms to detect defects. Winteria’s capabilities allow for thorough, consistent weld quality assessments, enhancing process control and robot systems. This advanced system is successfully commercialized and implemented at several manufacturing sites.

Given the large number of welds in the vehicle industry and the time-consuming process of weld fatigue assessment, automating the evaluation process is essential for improving efficiency and accuracy. In this study, the master S-N curve method is combined with machine learning techniques to create an automated weld evaluation process in commercial finite element software for use with low-density shell meshes in post-processing of welded components. The results were compared with those obtained using the effective notch stress method across several case studies. The methodology developed in the current study proves to be effective for the automatic post-processing of large finite element models and contributes to reducing manual effort in the FE pre-and post processing, which eventually results in an effective stress evaluation of welded details subjected to fatigue loading

This paper provides an overview of the second edition of the IIW recommendations on High-Frequency Mechanical Impact (HFMI) treatment, a widely recognized technique for enhancing the fatigue strength of welded joints. Based on extensive research and new experimental data, these updated guidelines introduce refined HFMI procedures, comprehensive fatigue assessment methods, and quality control measures. The recommendations are applicable to both new designs and the rehabilitation of existing structures, offering improved fatigue performance for steels with yield strengths ranging from 235 to 1300 MPa and thicknesses between 5 and 50 mm. Key considerations include expanding the recommendations on the effects of variable amplitude loading and the benefits of HFMI for high- strength steels. This version also introduces provisions for treating prefatigued and in-service structures, further extending the applicability of HFMI treatment.