Non-Destructive Testing

As the name implies, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is a wide group of analysis techniques used in science and industry to evaluate the properties of a material, component or system without causing damage or destroying the material being evaluated.  Because NDT does not permanently alter or destroy the article being inspected, it is an extremely useful evaluation method that can save both money and time in casting testing, troubleshooting, and research.

Common Non Destructive Testing Methods

The terms Nondestructive examination (NDE), Nondestructive inspection (NDI), and Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) are also commonly used to describe this technology.  The inside of a sample can be examined with penetrating radiation, such as X-rays. Sound waves are utilized in the case of ultrasonic testing. Contrast between a defect and the bulk of the sample may be enhanced for visual examination by the unaided eye by using liquids to penetrate fatigue cracks. Liquid penetrant testing (LP) involves using dyes, fluorescent or non-fluorescent, in fluids for non-magnetic materials, usually metals. Another commonly used NDT method for castings, magnetic particle testing, involves the application of fine iron particles to ferrous materials (either liquid or dry dust) that are applied to a part while it is in an externally magnetized state. The particles will be attracted to leakage fields within the test object, and form on the objects surface. Magnetic particle testing can reveal surface & some sub-surface defects within the part.

NDT is used for a wide range of applications over many different industries, with new NDT methods and applications being continuously developed. Non-destructive testing methods are frequently used in end-use markets where a failure of a component would cause significant safety issues, pose serious environmental risks, or cause major economic loss, such as in transportation, pressure vessels, building structures, piping, and hoisting equipment.

Quaker City Castings can use magnetic particle testing, radiography (X-ray), ultrasonic testing, or liquid penetrant testing to evaluate the soundness of our steel casting, iron castings, and nickel alloy castings.  Whatever your testing requirements may be, we can meet your needs.