Nondestructive testing can often seem like a complicated field, and, in many ways, it should be. The complex and expensive machines and assets evaluated by nondestructive testing technicians provide vital services that keep our world operational.
Tending these vital instruments is certainly not a task that should be left to just anyone. The NDT practices that keep many vital industries functioning require extensive training and experience to be performed correctly, but it is also important for clients to understand what is happening to their assets when under inspection from an NDT technician.
If you hire NDT services, you don’t have to have months of schooling to understand the processes required to keep your machines running. Today on the blog, we explain complicated processes in plain terms.
Ultrasonic testing is one of the many different methods used to inspect instruments without causing damage, yielding precise results. Much like its name suggests, ultrasonic testing uses high frequency sound waves that travel through a component to test for flaws.
According to TXNDT’s Testing Disciplines page, “If the sound traveling through a part hits material with different acoustical impedance, some of the sound will reflect back. Once received by the sending unit, it will represent as an indication on the screen. Knowing the velocity at which sound travels through a part, along with the time of travel, will allow the technician to determine the distance to the indicated material with a change in acoustic impedance.
Sound waves are introduced to the part via a transducer made up of a piezoelectric crystal that converts electrical current to sound waves. The two most commonly used types of sound waves are Compression (Longitudinal or Straight Beam) and Shear wave (Transverse or Angle Beam).”
Though some of these terms may be out of your wheelhouse without an engineering background, nondestructive testing technicians receive the training necessary to become proficient with sensitive and complicated tests like these to help support the daily operations of countless industries.
Understanding a testing discipline is one thing, performing is something else entirely. To accurately perform nondestructive testing, it is crucial to be appropriately trained under the supervision of experienced instructors.
At TXNDT, we make sure that each technician we train is fully prepared to enter the workforce. That training includes all of the most important methods, from magnetic particle testing, to liquid penetrant testing, and everything in between.
From introductory NDT courses to NDT level 3 certification, we take an active approach to educating all of our students and encourage all prospective technicians to take an active role in their own learning.
If you or your staff are looking for ways to expand your skills and broaden your career opportunities through nondestructive testing courses, consider NDT certification.
But don’t trust just any NDT school. If you’re looking for a top-tier experience, give us a call today at 281-231-0001 or check out our website for more information.