Non-Destructive Testing NDT methods is the process of inspecting materials for surface or internal flaws, components or assemblies for discontinuities, and identifying the characteristics without destroying the integrity of the material or its suitability for service. The application of non-destructive testing is critical to a number of industries including mechanical, forensic, civil, electrical, aerospace, aeronautical engineering as well as medical applications.
Methods of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
The field of NDT is a very broad, interdisciplinary field and NDT methods can generally be classified into multiple categories. Here we are discussing five non-destructive testing methods on which most industries rely.
Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
This testing process uses high-frequency sound energy to conduct examinations and make measurements. Using this method, NDT element inspectors are able to use ultrasonic waveforms to pass through material to detect flaws and provide a complete volumetric inspection. The two most commonly used types of sound waves used in industrial inspections are the compression (longitudinal) wave and the shear (transverse) wave. Advanced NDT inspection is most commonly performed on metallic alloys and metals but it can also be used to test concrete, composites and sometimes even wood. There are four categories of Ultrasonic Testing. These are:
- Flaw detectors
- Phased arrays
- UT accessories
- UT thickness gauges
Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT)
This is one of the most convenient, simple, fast and cost-effective NDT testing methods. This technique utilizes a magnetic field and ultra-fine magnetic particles to find flaws in the surface of metals like cobalt, iron, nickel and some alloys. This testing is quantitative as well as automated and the results can be viewed instantly. Magnetic particle testing is one of the most common non-destructive testing techniques utilized by many industries all over the world.
Liquid Penetrant Testing (LPT)
Also known as Dye Penetrant Inspection (DPI) or Penetrant Testing (PT), Liquid Penetrant Testing check for material flaws open to the surface by flowing very thin liquid into the flaw and then drawing the liquid out with a chalk-like developer. The entire testing can be done without having any expensive or special equipment. The advantage that a liquid penetrant inspection offers over an unaided visual inspection is that it makes defects easier to see, making it hugely popular with companies of all sizes.
Radiographic Testing (RT)
Industrial Radiography Inspection is used to detect material density and thickness differences of a component. This method of weld testing makes use of X-rays, produced by an X-ray tube, or gamma rays, produced by a radioactive isotope. The recording media can be industrial x-ray film or one of several types of digital radiation detectors. The technique is used, among other things, to check weld integrity, corrosion and cracks in mechanical parts. Radiography is well suited to the testing of semiconductor devices for broken wires, cracks, unsoldered connections, misplaced components and foreign material.
Visual Inspection (VI)
It is the most popularly used test method in industry. It is highly effective in identifying crater cracking, undercutting, slag inclusion, poor fits, wrong dimensions, improper surface finish, incomplete penetration welds, and other defects. Visual inspection can be classified as Direct Visual Testing, Remote Visual Testing and Translucent Visual Testing.
A huge range of unique customer requirements, industry standards, military specifications, and government contracts can perfectly comply with non-destructive testing services. The basic advantage of this process is that a large surface area or huge volumes of parts/materials can be inspected rapidly and at a lower cost. It can inspect complex shapes and multi-layered structures without disassembly. In spite of having relatively low equipment costs, the process can accurately detect even a tiniest of surface and subsurface flaws.Visit website https://globalgauge.com/