Non Destructive Examination

(NDE)

Non Destructive Examination

(NDE)
Non Destructive Examination is the act of
evaluating a welded component (or material to
be welded) without affecting the serviceability
of the part or material.

NDE
All Welds have flaws.
Another name for a flaw is a discontinuity
Discontinuities are interruptions in the
normal crystalline structure (or grain) of
the metal.
Discontinuities are NOT always defects

NDE
The purpose of welding inspections is to
locate and determine the size of any
discontinuities
Discontinuities that are to large or repeat
too often within the weld become defects
Defects will compromise the welds overall
strength

What are some common defects?

Porosity
Undercutting
Rollover or Cold Lap
Slag inclusion
Poor penetration
Voids
Hydrogen Embrittlement

Typical faults in a finished weld.

How would you find these faults ?

Non Destructive Examination

NDE

Common methods used in NDE

Visual Inspection (VT)

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MT)
Liquid (Dye) Penetrant Inspection (PT)
X-Ray inspection (RT)
Ultrasonic testing (UT)
Air or water pressure testing (LT)

Visual Inspection (VT)

Visual is the most common inspection
method
VT reveals spatter, excessive buildup,
incomplete slag removal, cracks, heat
distortion, undercutting, & poor penetration
Typical tools for VT consist of Fillet gauges
Magnifying glasses, Flashlights, & Tape
measures or calipers.

Visual Inspection (VT)

Fillet gauges measure
The Legsof the weld
Convexity
(weld rounded outward)

Concavity
(weld rounded inward)

Flatness

Magnetic Particle Inspection

(MT)
Magnetic Particle Inspection (commonly referred
to as Magnaflux testing) is only effective at
checking for flaws located at or near the
surface.
MT uses a metallic power or liquid along
with strong magnetic field probes to locate
flaws. (Particles will align along voids)
MT can only be used on materials that can
be magnetized

Liquid (Dye) Penetrant

Inspection (PT)
Liquid penetrant inspection uses colored or
fluorescent dye to check for surface flaws.
PT will not show sub-surface flaws.
PT can be used on both metallic and non
metallic surfaces such as ceramic, glass,
plastic, and metal.
PT dose not require the part to be
Magnetized.

X-Ray inspection (RT)

Welds may be checked for internal discontinuities
my means of X- Rays
An X-Ray is a wave of energy that will pass
through most materials and develop the negative
image of what it passes through on film.
A Radiograph ( X-Ray picture) is a permanent
record of a weld used for quality inspection
purposes
RT inspections can reveal flaws deep within a
component

Ultrasonic testing (UT)

Ultrasonic testing (UT) is a method of
determining the size and location of
discontinuities within a component using
high frequency sound waves.
Sound waves are sent through a transducer
into the material and the shift in time
require for their return or echo is plotted.
Ultrasonic waves will not travel through air
therefore flaws will alter the echo pattern.

Air or water pressure testing

(LT)
Pressure testing or leak testing can be
performed with either gasses or liquids.
Voids that allow gasses or liquids to escape
from the component can be classified as
gross (large) or fine leaks.
Extremely small gas leaks measured in
PPM (parts per million) require a Mass
Spectrometer to Sniff for tracer gases

Quiz time
True or False ?
Dye penetrate inspections can only be used
on non magnetic material.
Answer: False

Quiz time
True or False ?
X-Rays can only be used to locate flaws at
or near the surface of a weld.
Answer: False

Quiz time
True or False ?
Virtually all welds have flaws.

Answer: True

Quiz time
True or False ?
Magnetic particle testing can only detect
flaws at or near the surface.
Answer: True

Quiz time
True or False ?
Magnet particle testing can only be done on
materials that can be magnetized.
Answer: True

Quiz time
The letters NDE Mean ___________ ?
A: nondestructive inspection
B: nondestructive evaluation
C: nondisruptive evaluation
D: nondestructive examination

Quiz time
The method most often used to check for leaks as
small as one part per million (PPM) from a gas
line or cylinder is the _________ Method ?
A: hydrostatic
B: mass spectrometer
C: soap suds bubble
D: scleroscope

Modern Welding
York County School of Technology