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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.