Radiography testing (RT) is a modality of non-destructive testing that uses ionizing radiation to inspect materials and components with the objective of locating and quantifying defects and degradation in material properties that would lead to the failure of engineering structures. It plays an important role in the science and technology needed to ensure product quality and reliability.
Ultrasonic testing (UT) is a family of non-destructive testing techniques based on the propagation of ultrasonic waves in the object or material tested. In most common UT applications, very short ultrasonic pulse waves with center frequencies ranging from 0.1-15 MHz, and occasionally up to 50 MHz, are transmitted into materials to detect internal flaws or to characterize materials. A common example is ultrasonic thickness measurement, which tests the thickness of the test object, for example, to monitor pipework corrosion.
Magnetic particle Inspection (MPI) or magnetic testing (MT) is a nondestructive testing (NDT) process for detecting surface and shallow subsurface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and some of their alloys. The process puts a magnetic field into the part. The piece can be magnetized by direct or indirect magnetization. Direct magnetization occurs when the electric current is passed through the test object and a magnetic field is formed in the material. Indirect magnetization occurs when no electric current is passed through the test object, but a magnetic field is applied from an outside source. The magnetic lines of force are perpendicular to the direction of the electric current, which may be either alternating current (AC) or some form of direct current (DC) (rectified AC).
Liquid penetrate inspection (LPI) or penetrant testing (PT), is a widely applied and low-cost inspection method used to check surface-breaking defects in all non-porous materials (metals, plastics, or ceramics). The penetrant may be applied to all non-ferrous materials and ferrous materials, although for ferrous components magnetic-particle inspection is often used instead for its subsurface detection capability. LPI is used to detect casting, forging and welding surface defects such as hairline cracks, surface porosity, leaks in new products, and fatigue cracks on in-service components.
Vacuum box testing is a non-destructive examination used when trying to locate weld seam leaks. A vacuum box and a compressor create a high or low-pressure vacuum while a detergent solution is applied to the test area. The detergent bubbles, make leaks visible within the created pressure envelope.
Positive Material Identification (PMI) or X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) supply our clients with fast, accurate metal alloy verification for manufacturing quality assurance with the Thermo Scientific™ Niton™ XL2 Analyzer. Featuring a standard integrated camera for accurate positioning of the analysis area, the XL2 Analyzer provides immediate, nondestructive elemental analysis of alloy materials from titanium to nickel as well as a tramp and trace element analysis. Lightweight, rugged handheld Niton XL2 Analyzers are well suited for a growing list of applications including scrap metal identification, mining and exploration, and lead screening for consumer and electronic goods.
Hardness testing (HT) is completed using the MIC 10 which uses the UCI (Ultrasonic Contact Impedance) method for efficient and accurate measurements by electronically measuring the Vickers diamond indent and then displaying the hardness value instantly. This portable hardness tester can test hard-to-reach places and can measure in any direction, making it a flexible solution for operators.
Ferrite Testing (FT) also referred to as a ferrite-scope test, is a rapid non-destructive inspection method used to measure the amount of delta ferrite on austenitic stainless steel and duplex stainless steel materials. Ensuring proper ferrite content ensures corrosion resistance, durability and crack prevention. When ferrite levels exceed the maximum allowable content amount the stainless steel welds become susceptible to hot cracking.