The experience of heavy nuclear component fabrication showed that the most effective way for quality improvements to be achieved is by so called Weld Point Analyses (WPA). This is a critical examination of all weld points within each assembly group, under the participation of experienced experts from all concerned production workshops (production planning, constructional engineering, welding technology, welding fabrication, materials and heat treatment, ultrasonic testing, etc.).

The main examining criteria are the followings:

- weld defect frequency

- elements of costs

- weld arrangement and sequence

- welding difficulties (e.g. limited accessibility)

- weld testing restrictions

- welding procedure, consumables and parameters

- preheating for welding, interpass temperature, post weld  heating  

- heat treatments

- final machining