Welding inspection primarily includes which activities?

Welding inspection primarily involves a comprehensive assessment of the quality and integrity of welds, which fundamentally includes both visual and nondestructive examination techniques. Visual inspection is critical as it allows an inspector to identify surface flaws, irregularities, and overall weld appearance, which can indicate potential issues. However, this alone is not sufficient for ensuring the weld's structural integrity.

Nondestructive examination (NDE) complements visual inspection by providing methods to detect internal and sub-surface defects without destroying the component. Techniques such as ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, magnetic particle testing, and dye penetrant testing can uncover issues that are not visible to the naked eye. Together, these methods form a robust approach to ensure that welds meet the required specifications and standards.

While visual inspections are necessary, they do not encompass the entirety of welding inspection activities, nor can mechanical tests serve as a substitute for visual inspection. Also, designing new welding procedures falls outside the realm of inspection activities, focusing instead on the planning phase of welding operations. Therefore, the correct answer captures the full scope of welding inspection activities by emphasizing both visual and nondestructive examination methods.