What Is Non-Destructive Testing, and Why Should You Choose It?

If you are running a firm that involves manufacturing and production, then being sure about the quality of the product or parts you are producing should always be on the top of the priority list. Even with an excellent marketing team, an excellent team, and the best culture, firms cannot grow just because of the quality of the product they are producing. Most people are aware of the importance of the quality of the product they are producing, but most people don’t know where to start?

After searching for different types of destructing testing options, you will stumble upon a long list of options, and choosing the best one among them might become confusing. To select the best destructing method for quality testing, you must be aware of every aspect of Non-destructive testing, and this is what we will discuss in this blog post.

So, let’s explore the world of Non-destructive Testing, or what is more popularly known as NDT, in a very detailed manner.

What is non-destructive testing?

NDT is a specially designed analysis and testing technique used by a wide array of industries to analyze the different properties of components, systems, structures, and materials for welding defects or characteristic differences. But one of the unique things about this type of testing is that the original product is not damaged in this case. NDT, also known by the name of non-destructive inspection and non-destructive examination.

Different types of non-destructive methods

Ultrasonic testing

This is one of the most popular types of non-destructive testing methods in which ultrasonic waves are used for revealing cracks, flaws, issues, and material thickness. The ultrasonic frequency used in this case ranges from 0.1 to 50 MHz. There are many different types of materials on which ultrasonic testing can be used, like wood, metals, alloys, and even composites.

In most cases, ultrasonic testing is used to find defects related to welding, so it is prevalent in many industries.

Radiographic testing

In this type of non-destructive testing method, a particular type of electromagnetic radiation is used. This radiation helps in finding the flaws in the product. There are two different types of radio sources available in this case; Gamma-ray and X-ray. You can view all the issues related to the product on film. 

Eddy current testing

The natural process of electromagnetic induction is used in eddy current testing for feeding issues and defects in the material being tested. You can use this process for finding out wall and coating thickness, seams and cracks, heat treatment variation, and much more.

Liquid penetrant testing

This method is used to find defects on open surfaces of the material like seams, laps, porosity, wall leaks, and much more. Its application may be limited, but its usage isn’t.

Why should you use NDT?

Leaves the product undamaged

When it comes down to the advantages of using NDT, then the list is very long as this is one of the most used quality testing methods in a wide array of industries. But one of the main reasons you should start using NDT is that it leaves the product or material being tested undamaged. This allows the firm to repair the item after finding flaws instead of completely replacing it because of the destruction.

Highly safe

In addition to this, the NDT method is one of the safest testing methods available in the modern era, and therefore, you will not be putting your employees at risk while using NDT. But there are many different types of NDT techniques like radiographic testing that you should do in a strict environment.

Highly accurate

If you have never used the NDT technique, you should know that this test is done on a repeated basis, and this is why the accuracy of NDT is much better than all the other testing options out there. In addition to this, the different types of tests done in NDT can be correlated to get better results.

Pocket-friendly

If you are looking for a pocket-friendly way of testing your product’s quality without burning a hole in your pocket, then NDT will fit in like a glove in your limited budget. Since NDT allows replacing the item before the damage occurs, it also helps in saving money.

As you can see, NDT has become a new normal for most industries since it can be used on a wide array of materials, and it also allows the firm to save money, time, and effort. So, go for NDT without worrying about safety or complexity.