METHOD

VISUAL

DYE
PENETRANT

MAGNETIC
PARTICLE

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES

Surface discontinuities only Generally only large

Inexpensive Highly portable
discontinuities Misinterpretation of scratches
Immediate results Minimum
training Minimum part preparation
Portable Inexpensive Sensitive to
very small discontinuities 30 min.
or less to accomplish Minimum
skill required

Locate surface defects only Rough or porous

surfaces interfere with test Part preparation
required (removal of finishes and sealant, etc.)
High degree of cleanliness required Direct visual
detection of results required

Can be portable Inexpensive

Sensitive to small discontinuities
Immediate results Moderate skill
required Detects surface and
subsurface discontinuities
Relatively fast

Surface must be accessible Rough surfaces

interfere with test Part preparation required
(removal of finishes and sealant, etc.) Semidirectional requiring general orientation of field to
discontinuity Ferro-magnetic materials only Part
must be demagnetized after test.

EDDY CURRENT Portable Detects surface and

subsurface discontinuities
Moderate speed Immediate results
Sensitive to small discontinuities
Thickness sensitive

Surface must be accessible to probe Rough

surfaces interfere with test Electrically conductive
materials Skill and training required Time
consuming for large areas

Can detect many variables

ULTRASONIC

Portable Inexpensive Sensitive to

very small discontinuities
Immediate results Little part
preparation Wide range of
materials and thickness can be
inspected

Surface must be accessible to probe Rough

surfaces interfere with test Highly sensitive to
sound beam discontinuity orientation High degree
of skill required to set up and interpret Couplant
usually required

X-RAY
Detects surface and internal flaws
RADIOGRAPHY Can inspect hidden areas
Permanent test record obtained
Minimum part preparation

Safety hazard Very expensive (slow process)

Highly directional, sensitive to flaw orientation
High degree of skill and experience required for
exposure and interpretation Depth of discontinuity
not indicated

ISOTOPE
Portable Less expensive than X-ray
RADIOGRAPHY Detects surface and internal flaws
Can inspect hidden areas
Permanent test record obtained
Minimum part preparation

Safety hazard Must conform to Federal and State

regulations for handling and use Highly
directional, sensitive to flaw orientation High
degree of skill and experience required for
exposure and interpretation Depth of discontinuity
not indicated