ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING WELD QUALITY IN INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING: AN ISHIKAWA-BASED APPROACH

Welding quality is a critical factor in industrial equipment manufacturing, directly influencing structural integrity, operational reliability, and component safety. However, welding discontinuities may result from the interaction of technical, operational, organizational, and environmental factors, requiring integrated preventive quality management approaches. This study aims to analyze the main factors influencing weld quality in industrial equipment manufacturing, systematically classifying potential causes of discontinuities and identifying preventive measures based on technical standards. The research adopts a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive approach, supported by a literature review and documentary analysis of welding quality standards, particularly the ABNT NBR ISO 3834 series. The Ishikawa Diagram, structured according to the 6M framework, was employed to classify potential causes into Method, Machine, Material, Manpower, Measurement, and Environment. The findings identified five major welding discontinuities: porosity, cracks, lack of fusion, incomplete penetration, and undercut. The analysis indicates that these discontinuities may arise from interconnected process conditions, emphasizing the importance of standardized procedures, equipment monitoring, appropriate material handling, personnel qualification, and systematic inspection. The study contributes an integrated analytical framework linking welding discontinuities, potential causal factors, and preventive control measures. It concludes that combining technical standardization with quality management tools may support preventive decision-making and continuous improvement in industrial welding processes, although empirical validation remains necessary.