Fabrication Shop Inspection for Code-Compliant Quality
Your fabrication schedule depends on clear hold points, qualified personnel, and defensible documentation. Our fabrication shop inspection services give you a third-party partner who helps keep parts and modules moving with practical, code-based coverage led by AWS CWI inspectors and ASNT Level II/III NDT personnel.
First steps
We align with your ITPs, travelers, and QA plan, then establish shop hold points and reporting cadence.
Our Broader Offerings
Need a quick overview of our broader offering? See our welding inspection capabilities.
Why shop coverage matters
Production environments demand inspections that are thorough, predictable, and fast to document. We focus on:
- Verifying fit-up and weld quality early to minimize rework
- Coordinating with foremen and QC leads to avoid bottlenecks
- Capturing photos, weld maps, and signoffs that stand up to audits
- Sharing punch items promptly so crews can close issues quickly
Our team works under AWS, ASME, AISC, API, MDOT, and DSA requirements, delivering unbiased shop weld inspection that integrates smoothly with day-to-day fabrication.
Hold points and in-process verification
We tailor hold points to your traveler and code of record while maintaining traceability.
Typical hold points we witness
- Material receipt, MTR verification, and identification
- Fit-up checks, joint preparation, and preheat verification
- Root pass, interpass, and final pass visual acceptance
- Dimensional and tolerance checks before release
- NDT release for VT, MT, PT, UT, or RT when required
- Coating surface prep and final condition before ship
Documentation delivered at each stage
- ITP checklists and signoffs captured by a CWI or Special Inspector
- Weld maps keyed to part numbers and drawing details
- Photo logs supporting acceptance and punch items
- NCRs and repair tracking through closeout
- Daily reports and end-of-lot summaries
Welder and procedure qualifications (WPS/PQR/WPQ)
Whether bringing a new process online or renewing continuity, we witness and document welder and procedure qualification work.
- Procedure qualification record (PQR) witnessing and coordination with test labs
- Welder performance qualification (WPQ) witnessing and visual/NDT acceptance
- Continuity tracking and log reviews
If you need dedicated qualification support, see our Welder Certification Support page to align WPS/PQR/WPQ needs with your production plan.
Methods we use in the shop
We apply the right inspection method at the right time to protect throughput and quality.
Visual inspection (VT)
Every job starts with disciplined VT per code acceptance criteria and project specs. Learn more about our approach on Visual Inspection.
MT and PT for surface indications
Magnetic particle testing (MT) and dye penetrant testing (PT) help reveal near-surface and surface-breaking discontinuities in ferrous and non-ferrous components.
UT and RT for subsurface quality
Ultrasonic testing (UT) and radiographic testing (RT) are deployed when volumetric quality evidence is required by the code or specification.
Structural steel, piping, and tanks
From structural modules to spools and vessels, we bring code-savvy coverage across materials and geometries.
- Structural steel inspection for shop-welded frames, connections, and embeds
- Steel fabrication inspection for repetitive bay work and custom assemblies
- Piping fabrication inspection for spools, headers, and skid packages
- Tank fabrication inspection for weld seams, nozzles, and attachments
This breadth ensures consistent shop weld inspection across your entire scope with unified documentation and signoff processes.
Code compliance and traceability
When specs cite multiple codes and owner standards, we align inspection acceptance to the code of record and project QA/QC plan.
- Code compliance inspection under AWS D1.x, ASME Section IX/B31.x, AISC 360/341, and API specs as applicable
- Review of WPS variables, filler metals, heat input, and essential variable changes
- Traceability from drawing details and part IDs to weld maps, reports, and photo logs
The result is a defensible, audit-ready record set that satisfies primes, owners, and authorities having jurisdiction.
Scheduling, coverage, and mobilization
We maintain strong regional coverage across Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois, and can mobilize nationwide by project. Flexible scheduling accommodates planned hold points and short-notice inspections.
- On-call, daily, or embedded shop coverage models
- Rapid documentation turnaround with clear punch lists
- Coordination with your QC leads, foremen, and production planners
Ready to get on the calendar? Start a request via Contact.
FAQs
Do you provide in-shop inspection coverage?
Yes. We provide ongoing and on-call in-shop coverage tailored to your ITP and production schedule, including witness of critical hold points and final release.
Can you support structural steel and piping fabrication?
Yes. We provide structural steel inspection and piping fabrication inspection, along with tank fabrication inspection, all aligned to the governing code and project specs.
Do you witness welder and procedure qualification work?
Yes. We witness WPS/PQR/WPQ testing, collaborate with labs, and document results so qualifications are ready for production.
What codes do you inspect to in fabrication shops?
We work under AWS, ASME, AISC, and API requirements and apply project-specific acceptance criteria per the code of record and contract documents.
Do you provide reports and punch item documentation?
Yes. Expect daily reports, weld maps, photo logs, and clear NCRs or punch items with status tracking through closeout.
How quickly can shop inspection be scheduled?
Often within days. Contact us with your scope, drawings, and ITP so we can align resources to your schedule.
Get a quote and lock in hold points
- Request shop inspection scheduling via Contact
- Explore scope alignment with our welding inspection team
Privacy note: We only use your details to coordinate inspection services and will not share them outside your project team.