Fernando does ask when to conduct formal NDE.
He also says that he/she has little knowledge of the codes. As a result, I have advised that asking if formal NDE is conducted before or after PWHT is too simplistic a question, because the presence of volumetric examination negates the need for PWHT in some cases.
For example, type 410 SA-240 plate requires PWHT by default.
However, when Radigraphy is introduced, PWHT is not required in some cases as per the following (from table UHA-32-1):
Postweld heat treatment is not required for vessels constructed of Type 410 material for SA-182 Grade F6a, SA-240, SA-268, and SA-479 with carbon content not to exceed 0.08% and welded with electrodes that produce an austenitic chromium–nickel weld deposit or a non‐air‐hardening nickel–chromium–iron weld deposit, provided the nominal thickness does not exceed 3/8 in. (10 mm), and for nominal thicknesses over 3/8 in. (10 mm) to 11/2 in. (38 mm) provided a preheat of 450°F (230°C) is maintained during welding and that the joints are completely radiographed.