What are the Different Types of Non-Destructive Testing?

There are many different types of non-destructive testing (NDT). Each NDT type has another purpose, and each is useful in a specific industry. For example, non-destructive testing checks the material, process, or machine without changing it by using an electrical conductivity meter, precision thickness gauge, and etc. 

With this in mind, this article covers everything you need to know about non-destructive testing. We will explore the different types of non-destructive testing, the applications of each type, and how to choose the right non-destructive testing type for your project.

What Is The Difference Between Destructive And Nondestructive Testing?

The difference between destructive and nondestructive testing is that destructive testing is a method of determining mechanical properties. Nondestructive testing is a method of evaluating the material without damaging it.

There are some essential differences between these two methods:

  1. The destructive methods work on materials that will not be reused after inspection, whereas, for NDT, only non-recyclable materials are tested.
  2. The destructive methods can be applied only to certain materials such as metals or ceramics, whereas NDT can apply to all materials, including plastics, wood, etc.
  3. For example, if you have an aluminum tube that has been made by welding, you will find its wall thickness varies from one end to another depending upon the welds made on it, whereas NDT will not detect such a variation.
  4. The destructive methods are expensive and time-consuming, whereas NDT is inexpensive and easy to implement.

Most industries use both methods to find defects in materials. In general, most industries use both methods to find defects in materials.

NDT can be used to detect several defects in materials that cannot be detected using destructive methods. These defects are caused by manufacturing defects or poor workmanship during machining and welding processes.

NDT also allows for better quality control during manufacturing processes such as foundry casting and forging, injection molding, painting, shot peening, and plating.

What Are The Advantages Of Nondestructive Testing?

The most crucial advantage of non-destructive testing is eliminating the need to destroy materials. This is important from a safety and environmental perspective. It reduces the waste of materials, which in turn reduces costs, and it also reduces downtime for production or other processes.

NDT techniques can be used at any stage of a product’s life cycle to ensure materials’ safety, reliability, and integrity before they are put into use or during their use after being put into service. 

It can be used at any stage in construction projects to identify defects in components before they are put into use and after they have been put into use. NDT techniques can also be used during the development stages when components are being designed and tested to make sure products are safe and reliable.

NDT techniques can also be used on a variety of substrates, including metals, ceramics, polymers, composites (such as plastics), and glass substrates such as windows and glass panels.

It allows the inspection of a product from a different angle or a different location. It can be used to inspect difficult items to get to, such as under the surface of other things. It helps ensure that no damage has been done by the test operator when testing products.

In industrial applications, NDT techniques are widely used in:

  • Vehicle/Railway Maintenance & Testing
  • Aviation Maintenance & Testing
  • Building and Civil Engineering
  • Oil & Gas Exploration & Production
  • Nuclear Plant Operation & Maintenance
  • Petroleum Refining and Distribution
  • Power Generation and Distribution
  • Pipe Welding and Construction
  • Process Industries
  • Testing of Heat Exchangers, Air Conditioners, Water Treatment Plants, and Refrigeration Equipment
  • Sewage Treatment Plants and Septic Tanks
  • Medical Device Manufacturing
  • Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing
  • Military and Aerospace Industries (aircraft, missiles, tanks)

Conclusion

NDT is a process that can ensure the safety and integrity of products. It is essential to consider the different NDT techniques to inspect your products appropriately. NDT techniques are used in many industries, and all industries need to have a system in place to ensure the safety and integrity of their products.

NDT-KITS is an international high-tech company with many integrated high-tech manufacturing facilities in China and Taiwan. Our company is one of the leading manufacturers of ultrasonic equipment, ultrasonic probes, and nondestructive testing instruments in China. NDT-KITS has a team of professional engineers, technologists, and technicians. 

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