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Weld Joint Log and NDE Tracking Worksheet

A weld log is the single place that proves every joint was welded, examined and accepted. This worksheet records the joints, the required examination percentage and the result, and sums the length that still needs testing.

Download:
Joint IDDrawing and revJoint typeWPSWelder IDWeld length (mm)NDE required (%)Length to examine (mm)NDE methodResultInspection date
940
940
125
380
42
Joints logged
5
Total weld length (mm)
3,720
Total length to examine (mm)
2,427
Examined share of total length
65.2%

Set the NDE percentage from your code and design class (for example, the joint efficiency basis in a pressure vessel code or the inspection level in a structural specification). The worksheet totals length only; it does not decide acceptance. A rejected joint should reference a repair record and be retested before the result is changed to Accept.

Generate weld logs from your ERP

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How to use the worksheet

Create a row per weld joint using the ID on your weld map. Enter the drawing and revision, the WPS and welder, and the weld length in millimeters. Enter the NDE percentage required for that joint, then select the method and result. The sheet computes the length to examine. Export to Excel to share with the customer or third party inspector, and re-import by copying values when new joints are added. Keep the log with the data book.

  • Use the same joint ID as the weld map and the traveler
  • Update results the same day as the report is issued
  • Never overwrite a Reject; change to Repaired - retest
  • Record the revision so drawing changes are visible

How NDE percentage works

Codes assign an examination extent by joint category, material and service. Butt welds on high consequence systems may need full radiography or UT, while structural fillets may need only spot MT. The worksheet multiplies weld length by the required percentage to estimate how much weld has to be examined, which helps schedule inspectors and consumables for the test. Where a spot examination fails, many codes require extra spots; add those as new rows so the tracker stays honest.

Reading the example

The sample list contains five joints with mixed methods. W-002 has a Reject on a radiograph, so it will need a repair record and retest. The summary shows the share of total length that must be examined, a quick indicator of the inspection workload for the job. W-004 is Pending, so it remains an open item. Replace these rows with your own weld map and use the Pending filter to find open items.

Common mistakes

Weld logs go wrong in the details.

  • Rows keyed from the drawing without the current revision
  • Percent of NDE entered as a fraction instead of whole numbers
  • Rejected joints silently changed to Accept after rework
  • No link between the log and the repair record
  • Examining only the percentage but not recording which welds were selected

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a weld log and a weld map?

A weld map is a drawing that numbers each weld. A weld log is the table that records data about each numbered weld, such as WPS, welder, NDE and result. They use the same joint IDs and must stay in sync.

How do I handle a spot NDE failure?

Most codes call for additional examination of the same welder's work or weld lot when a spot test fails. Add rows for the extra locations and follow the clause in your governing code about how many extra spots are needed.

Can I log VT for every joint?

Yes. Many codes require visual examination on all welds. Use VT with 100 percent and use extra rows or a separate sheet if you also need a surface or volumetric method on the same joint.

Does the sheet calculate acceptance?

No. Acceptance depends on the code, the method and the report. The worksheet records the result you enter and totals the length. Treat it as a tracker, not an evaluation tool.

If weld joints are already structured in your PLM or ERP, we can help generate the log and track NDE status from the work order instead of retyping it.