Service · NDT

PT. MT. UT. RT.
Find hidden defects.
Critical safety.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) services for critical components. Liquid penetrant (PT), magnetic particle (MT), ultrasonic (UT), radiographic (RT/X-ray) testing through certified NDT partners. Aerospace, pressure vessel, defense critical components.

Non-Destructive Testing Quote Inspection methods

Level II/III certified NADCAP partners Documented reports Aerospace ready

01 · NDT methods

NDT method selection.

Different NDT methods detect different defect types in different materials. Method selection per applicable code (ASME, AWS, NAS, military spec).

Visual (VT)

Surface defects

Visual inspection enhanced with magnification and lighting. Detects surface cracks, porosity, dimensional issues. Used as first-line test on all critical components.

Liquid Penetrant (PT)

Surface cracks

Dye penetrant draws into surface cracks, developer reveals. Works on any non-porous material. Standard for stainless and aluminum non-magnetic surface inspection.

Magnetic Particle (MT)

Surface + near-surface in steel

Iron particles collect at flux leakage points. Faster than penetrant for ferromagnetic materials. Detects surface and shallow subsurface defects in steel.

Ultrasonic (UT)

Internal defects

Sound wave reflection detects internal voids, cracks, inclusions. Works on most materials. Standard for thick weldments, forgings, plate.

Radiographic (RT)

Internal volumetric

X-ray or gamma ray imaging shows internal structure. Detects porosity, voids, internal cracks, wall thickness. Standard for pressure vessel welds.

Eddy Current (ET)

Surface flaws + thickness

Induces eddy currents, detects disturbances from defects. Surface and near-surface flaw detection. Also measures coating thickness.

Phased Array UT

Advanced

Phased array ultrasonic with multiple element transducers. Better defect detection and sizing than conventional UT. Used for critical aerospace, nuclear, pipeline.

CT scanning

3D internal

Computed tomography — 3D X-ray imaging. Highest detail internal inspection. Premium cost, used for critical aerospace, medical, electronic.

Acoustic emission

Active monitoring

Detects acoustic signatures of crack growth during loading. Used for proof testing, in-service monitoring.

02 · NDT applications

NDT requirements by industry.

Aerospace structural

PT and UT mandatory per AS9100 customer requirements

Pressure vessels

RT or UT required for ASME welds per BPV Code

Nuclear

Multiple methods per ASME Section III nuclear code

Critical fasteners

MT or PT for ferrous, PT for non-ferrous high-strength

Welded assemblies

PT or MT on welds per AWS code

Aerospace forgings

UT on critical aerospace forgings per AMS specs

Castings

RT for porosity detection in critical castings

Pipeline welds

RT or PAUT for pipeline weld inspection

Aerospace fasteners

100% MT or PT on safety-critical fasteners

FAQ

Non-Destructive Testing questions.

NDT operators certified per ASNT (US) or ISO 9712 (international). Levels: Level I (operates equipment), Level II (interprets results, conducts tests), Level III (procedures, training). Certification documentation per method (PT, MT, UT, RT). Witnessed practical exams. Re-certification every 5 years typical. We require Level II minimum on certified work, Level III for procedure development.

NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) NDT audit covers process control for aerospace NDT work. NADCAP-qualified suppliers meet stringent process requirements. Required for Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed primary supply. We partner with NADCAP-qualified NDT facilities for aerospace work.

NDT required by code or customer specification for: aerospace structural, pressure-containing components, nuclear, safety-critical applications. Optional for general industrial — adds cost without code requirement. For your specific application: check applicable code (ASME, AWS, AS9100, NADCAP), customer specification, regulatory requirements. We can advise based on application.

NDT report includes: method used (PT, MT, etc.), procedure used (per code or customer-approved procedure), inspector ID and certification level, equipment used and calibration, accept/reject criteria applied, results (description of any indications, photos, sketches), inspector signature, date. Report retained per applicable code retention requirement (typically 7-25 years).

PT (penetrant): works on any material. Surface only. Slower, more sensitive to small cracks. MT (magnetic particle): only ferrous (steel) materials. Faster than PT. Detects surface and slight subsurface (3-6 mm). For steel parts: MT typically faster. For non-ferrous (aluminum, stainless, titanium): PT required. Code may specify which method — follow code.

RT (X-ray): produces image of internal structure. Best for: porosity, voids, dimensional features. Limited orientation sensitivity (cracks oriented along beam show poorly). Slow, expensive, safety controls. UT (ultrasonic): better for cracks, especially perpendicular to surface. Faster, cheaper. Requires skilled operator. For weldments: RT often preferred for porosity and inclusions, UT for cracks. Sometimes both used — complementary.