Non-destructive material testing - revealing, effective, preventive
The Non-destructive testing (NDT) examines the quality and condition of a material or workpiece without destroying it or changing its properties. In contrast to the destructive material testing, the suitability for use is not affected and the component remains - provided no failures are found – it can continue to be used.
Together with our certified and reliable partner companies, we offer various non-destructive testing methods, you can use this service to inspect and evaluate the required materials.
Non-destructive material testing: what does that mean?
While destructive testing destroys the workpiece as a whole, or at least permanently changes it at the surface, to make it more suitable for random sampling, this is different in non-destructive testing. This is done on a test piece and therefore possible for quality inspections.
By various physical energy forms such as static force fields or dynamic wave fields, the test piece is examined for purity, freedom from defects and load capacity. The exact modes of operation, the areas of application and also the materials that can be used differ depending on the test method.
The following features can be identified by non-destructive material testing
Material defects: voids, inclusions, cracks, pores
Microstructural properties: Hardness, hardness depth, temper, grain size and shape
Measurements: layer thicknesses, wall thicknesses and internal dimensions
Volume- or surface-oriented: The different NDT
Various test methods fall into the field of non-destructive material testing. These are subdivided into volume-oriented methods and surface-oriented methods. These include:
Volume-oriented procedures
Radiographic examination (for example: X-rays testing)
Ultrasonic testing
Surface-oriented methods
Eddy Current Testing
Surface crack inspection (magnetic powder, dye indication test)
Visual inspection
Advantages of non-destructive testing (NDT) at a glance
The first non-destructive material testing is the determination of the density by the displacement method according to Archimedes. He had the task to test whether the royal crown was actually made of pure gold - of course without destroying it. This also describes one of the great advantages of today's non-destructive testing methods: the workpiece remains undamaged.
Economic benefits
Possibility of combination of different test methods
Normally done stationary or mobile is possible as well
Usually testable before and during operation
In which sectors are non-destructive tests used?
The non-destructive testing of materials is mainly used on safety and function critical components or groups. The material testing is used, for example, in the automotive industry, the aerospace industry, the pump and energy industry, vehicle construction, electrical engineering and tank construction.
Stahlportal your reliable partner: material testing done by real experts
Non-destructive material testing is ideally suited to give you a reliable indication of whether a workpiece can be used or if it is damaged. In order to provide you with a complete service around the steel trade, we work together with external experts for our material testing. These examine the materials in accordance with specified DIN and ISO standards.
You have questions about the material testing or regarding an offer of high quality steel? Do not hesitate to contact us.