STANDARDS WELDING AND

NONDESTRUCTIVE
EXAMINATION SYMBOLS
INTRODUCTION
One method for reducing the mass of information
contained in documents (especially drawings) is through
the practice of using symbols. This practice replaces
written words and detailed graphic illustrations with
specific symbols to convey the same information in an
abbreviated manner.

Welding and nondestructive examination symbols are a

"shorthand" method for conveying pertinent
information. This system provides a simple, yet
powerful method of describing detailed information. For
example, by using symbols the designer can easily
communicate a vast amount of information regarding
numerous aspects of the welding project to both
fabrication and inspection personnel.
Welding Symbols
Welding or examination symbols
can provide a great deal of information;
however, they must be used properly to be
effective. If misapplied or misinterpreted, the
symbols can cause confusion, rather than aid in
the understanding of some welding or testing
detail. For that reason, it is important to
understand how the welding and nondestructive
examination symbols are used.
“ONE SYMBOL MAY REPLACE THOUSAND WORDS”
Elements of the Welding Symbol

It is important to understand some of the

terminology relating to symbols, before describing
the various parts of a welding symbol. A basic
distinction is the difference between the terms
weld symbol and welding symbol.

The weld symbol indicates the type of weld, and when

used, is a part of the welding symbol.

The welding symbol is defined as "a graphical

representation of a weld." It is a method of representing
the weld symbol on drawings, and includes supplementary
information and consists of the eight elements.
Elements of the Welding Symbol

(1) Reference line (shown horizontally)

(2) Arrow
(3) Basic weld symbols
(4) Dimensions and other data
(5) Supplementary symbols
(6) Finish symbols
(7) Tail
(8) Specification, process, or other reference

NOTE. It is not necessary to use all elements, unless

required for clarify
NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION SYMBOLS
Location on Arrow Side

Examinations to be made on the arrow side of the part

shall be specified by placing the letter designation for
the selected examination method below the reference
line.
Location on the Other Side

Examinations to be made on the other side of the part

shall be specified by placing the letter designation for
the selected examination method above the reference
line.
Location on Both Sides

Examinations to be made on both sides of the part

shall be specified by placing the letter designation for
the selected examination method on both sides of the
reference line.
Location Centered on Reference Line

When the letter designation has no arrow- or other-

side significance, or there is no preference from
which side the examination is to made, the letter
designation shall be centered on the reference line.
Examination Combinations

More than one examination method may be specified

for the same part by placing the combined letter
designations of the selected examination methods in
the appropriate positions relative to the reference line.
Letter designations for two or more examination
methods, to be placed on the same side of the
reference line or centered on the reference line, shall
be separated by a plus sign.
Welding and NDE Symbols

Nondestructive examination symbols and welding

symbols may be combined.
Examine-All-Around

Examinations required all around a weld, joint or part

shall be specified by placing the examine-all-around
symbol at the junction of the arrow and reference
lines.
Field Examinations

Examinations required to be conducted in the field

(not in a shop or at the place of initial construction)
shall be specified by placing the field examination
symbol at the junction of the arrow and reference
lines.
Radiation Direction

The direction of penetrating radiation may be specified

by use of the radiation direction symbol drawn at the
required angle on the drawing and the angle indicated,
in degrees, to ensure no misunderstanding.
Specifications, Codes, and References

Information, applicable to the examination specified

and which is not otherwise provided, may be placed in
the tail of the nondestructive examination symbol.
Length of Section to be Examined

To specify examination of welds or parts where only

the length of a section need be considered, the length
dimension shall be placed to the right of the letter
designation.
Location of Section to be Examined

To specify the exact location of a section to be

examined, as well as the length, dimension lines shall
be used.

When the full length of part is to be examined, no

length dimension need be included in the NDE symbol.
Partial Examination

When less than one hundred percent of the length of a

weld or part is to be examined, with locations to be
determined by a specified procedure, the length to be
examined is specified by placing the appropriate
percentage to the right of the letter designation. The
selected procedure may be specified by reference in
the tail of the nondestructive examination symbol.
Number of Examinations

To specify a number of examinations to be conducted

on a joint or part at random locations, the number of
required examinations shall be placed in parentheses
either above or below the letter designation away from
the reference line.
Areas of Revolution
For nondestructive examination of areas of revolution,
the area shall be specified by using the examine-all-
around symbol and appropriate dimensions.

The following illustration specifies:

(A) Magnetic particle examination of the

bore of the flange for a distance of two
inches from the right hand face, all the
way around the circumference.
(B) Radiographic examination of an area
of revolution where dimensions were not
available on the drawing.
Areas of Revolution

The symbol below specifies an area of revolution

subject to an internal proof examination and an
external eddy current examination. Since no
dimensions are given, the entire length is to be
examined.