Get Quality Control for Your Parts with Nondestructive Testing

Nondestructive Testing (NDT) is an indispensable cost-saving technique for your quality control process. Modern nondestructive tests are used to control manufacturing processes, lower production costs, maintain consistent quality, and ensure product reliability.

NDT determines the integrity of your parts without causing harm or damage to the test part. Tests that use destructive methods can only be done on a limited number of samples, whereas with NDT inspection, your parts can be put into service without fear of part failure.

NDT is the process of inspecting, testing, or evaluating your components for discontinuities and differences in material characteristics. Physical properties can also be measured, such as impact resistance, ductility, yield, tensile strength, fracture toughness, and fatigue strength.

The detection of flaws may involve cracks or inclusions in the welding and castings, or any structural variations that can lead to decline in strength and possible service failure. If your parts undergo conditions such as repetitive forces, extended wear, extreme loads, and high speed operation, nondestructive testing to monitor serviceability is a critical requirement.

PTI performs two methods of NDT to check for cracks or indications:

• Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT)
  This type of testing is used for materials that can be easily magnetized, such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and some of their alloys. Powerful magnetic fields are concentrated and applied to the material, detecting surface and slightly subsurface flaws.
• Liquid Penetrant Testing (LPT), also called Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI)
  This method can be used for non-porous, non-magnetic materials for the detection of surface discontinuities. A visible dye is applied to the part surface and discontinuities are detected using ultraviolet or fluorescent light.

Applications for NDT include aerospace engines and airframes, orthopedic and analytical equipment for medical devices, automotive, power generation, laser components, and heat exchangers. NDT can be used during the manufacture and service of your parts, assessing quality and assuring safe operation.

As the demand for product reliability and safety grows, NDT and other special processes must meet more stringent requirements. PTI provides one-stop, special processes for all your manufacturing needs, including Precision Cleaning, Dry Film Lubrication, Adhesive Bonding, and more.

This is the second in a series providing detailed information on the special processes provided by PTI.

Part One: Dry Film Lubrication Gives Critical Long-Term Protection
Part Three: Liquid Penetrant Inspection Is Economical and Versatile
Part Four: Magnetic Particle Inspection