MACRO SECTION Object: To examine a cross section of a weld for internal defects and soundness. Method: A transverse section of the weld is cut out. The cross section is then visually inspected. The section is filed down from rough to smooth, then emery or wet/dry papered down to a surface finish of 600 grit. The surface is then etched in NITAL (5% - 10% nitric acid in alcohol), washed off, rinsed and dried. (Possibly a final clean with acetone and mount in Bakelite) The specimen is then inspected at up to 10-x magnification. Reporting Results: Material. Welding process. Specimen identification. Sentencing standard. Thickness. Geometric flaws - type, size and location. Internal flaws - type, size and location. Parent metal flaws - type, size and location. Accept or reject, to standard, for each flaw. Comparison of macro section and micro section: ...