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

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.