Non-Destructive Testing

Visual Testing is conducted using a trained eye with the use of measuring equipment and Gauges to assess the geometry of any imperfections in materials against an agreed acceptance criteria. This acceptance criteria is generally an international standard such as ISO 5817, ISO 10042 or ASME V for welds.

Magnetic Particle Testing is a technique for detecting surface and slightly sub-surface defects within ferrimagnetic materials such as, Iron, Carbon Steel, Low-alloy steels, PH Steels, Casting, Nickel and cobalt by looking for flux leakage. Particles accumulate at the regions of flux leakage, producing a build-up which can be seen visually even with very narrow cracks.

Hardness testing is used in a wide range of sectors for a variety of reasons. There are a number of units of measure that can be used depending upon the material and its uses. NECIT can carry out UCI and rebound methods of hardness testing at our facility in South Shields, Tyne & Wear or nation wide at Client sites.

Ultrasonic Inspection is an extremely versatile and portable method of volumetric non destructive testing. The search unit applies a small current to a piezo-electric crystal that makes the crystal vibrate, which in turn creates a sound wave. The Search unit measures the time of flight for the sound wave to travel from the probe, to the imperfection, and return to the search unit.

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing utilises the latest technology to create targeted beam sets. These ultrasonic beam sets can be focused to a specific area of interest for an improved probability of defect detection. The beam sets are sound waves which are sequenced to give the desired beam sets. The angles and type of beam sets are modelled using software to create the Phased Array setups.

Penetrant Inspection is a method of testing which utilises an ink or dye which is applied to the surface of a component. Once the required soak time for the dye has passed, the excess penetrant is removed to leave a clean surface. Penetrant enters any potential surface breaking defects and once a developer is applied, the penetrant is drawn out of the surface-breaking defects. The penetrant is then visible against the white developer giving a good contrast.