What is the significance of the 'fit-up' inspection before welding?

The 'fit-up' inspection before welding is crucial because it ensures proper alignment and contact between the parts being joined. This inspection checks that the pieces fit together as intended, facilitating a good quality weld. Proper alignment is essential for achieving the desired strength and integrity of the welded joint. If the fit-up is incorrect, it can lead to issues such as gaps or misalignment, which can compromise the structural integrity of the final product.

Ensuring contact between the edges or surfaces to be welded promotes good heat conduction during the welding process, which is vital for achieving the correct fusion and reducing the likelihood of defects such as porosity or incomplete fusion. Thus, the significance lies in establishing a solid foundation for the welding operation, which directly affects the quality and durability of the weld.