24 hour money back guarantee

PT Free Quiz

This quiz must be completed in 70 minutes. Click here to start the quiz

 

 

Applications of liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)

PT works by capillary action and is a widely applied and low-cost inspection method used to check surface-breaking defects in all non-porous materials (metals, plastics, or ceramics).

 

ADVANTAGES OF PT

  • The method has high sensitivity to small surface discontinuities.
  • The method has few material limitations, i.e. metallic and non-metallic, magnetic and nonmagnetic, and conductive and nonconductive materials may be inspected.
  • Large areas and large volumes of parts/materials can be inspected rapidly and at low cost.
  • Parts with complex geometric shapes are routinely inspected.
  • Indications are produced directly on the surface of the part and constitute a visual representation of the
  • Aerosol spray cans make penetrant materials very portable.
  • Penetrant materials and associated equipment are relatively inexpensive.

 

 

LIMITATIONS OF PT

  • Only surface breaking defects can be detected.
  • Only materials with a relatively nonporous surface can be inspected.
  • Pre-cleaning is critical since contaminants can mask defects.
  • Metal smearing from machining, grinding, and grit or vapor blasting must be removed prior to LPI.
  • The inspector must have direct access to the surface being inspected.
  • Surface finish and roughness can affect inspection sensitivity
  • Multiple process operations must be performed and controlled.
  • Post cleaning of acceptable parts or materials is required.
  • Chemical handling and proper disposal is required.