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Non destructive and destructive testing are two types of industrial quality control processes that are used to identify flaws or defects in materials or products. They each have their own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, which is why they’re not mutually exclusive. Depending on your product and the scope of your testing project, one will be more beneficial than the other. This article covers everything you need to know about non destructive vs destructive testing so you can decide which process is right for you.
What is Non Destructive Testing?
Non destructive testing is a way to evaluate the quality and functionality of a material or product without having to tear it apart or modify it in any way. This makes it a great option for items like medical devices, aerospace parts, and electrical systems that can’t be compromised or broken down for inspection.
There are several different types of non destructive testings, each of which is used to inspect specific components or materials.
The most common types are:
- Visual Inspection: The most basic form of non destructive testing is a visual inspection. It’s exactly what it sounds like: inspecting a product visually to check for defects and flaws. This type of testing is often used to inspect simple products like hand tools or consumer goods. It’s also used to inspect the exterior of products like aircraft, structures, or power lines.
- X-Ray Inspection: X-ray inspection is used for a variety of materials, including metals, minerals, ceramics, and medical devices. An x-ray machine is used to take a picture of the product from the inside out, allowing you to check for defects that are otherwise undetectable.
- Ultrasonic Inspection: Ultrasonic inspection is a type of non destructive testing that uses sound waves to detect flaws and defects in a product. It’s often used to inspect the integrity of power lines and other critical infrastructure components.
- Magnetic Particle Inspection: Another common non-destructive testing method is magnetic particle inspection, which is used to test the integrity of ferrous materials like steel. An inspector will swab a sample of the product and then run it through a magnetic field to see if it picks up any tiny iron particles.
What Is Destructive Testing?
Destructive testing, as the name implies, requires the product to be broken down completely so that engineers can inspect the broken pieces for defects and flaws. This type of testing is often used for products like engines, power lines, and other large-scale industrial systems where visual inspection isn’t enough.
Destructive testing is especially useful when you need to test the integrity of a product but don’t have access to its design plans. A good example of this is testing the structural integrity of a building following a natural disaster.
Destructive testing is particularly useful when you’re looking for defects in materials like metals and ceramics, which are difficult to test non destructively. If a product is too large or intricate to test non-destructively, or if the design plans are unavailable, you’ll need to perform a destructive test to get the information you need.
Why Use Non Destructive Testing?
Non destructive testing is great for materials or products that can’t be broken down for inspection. It’s also a good option for products that are too expensive or difficult to replace if they fail.
In some instances, non destructive testing is a legal requirement for products like aircraft or critical infrastructure components. You might want to use non destructive testing for items like: Products that are difficult or complicated to replace. Electrical systems or medical devices that are too delicate for destructive testing.
Findings that are difficult to detect or detect without specific equipment. Products that can’t be broken down. Products that are environmentally sensitive. Materials that are too expensive to re-create. Products that are too complex to test non destructively. When a product is fragile and testing it non destructively could damage it.
Why Use Destructive Testing?
Destructive testing is a good choice when the product or material you’re testing is particularly difficult to test non destructively. It’s also a good option if you need to test the integrity of the product or the design plans are unavailable.
Another reason to use destructive testing is when it’s the only way to test for a specific flaw or defect. You might want to use destructive testing for items like: Products that are too fragile to test non destructively. Products that can’t be broken down. Designs that are too complex to test non destructively.
Findings that are difficult to detect or detect without a specific equipment. Materials that are too expensive to re-create. When a product is environmentally sensitive. When a product is too complex to test non-destructively. When a product is fragile and testing it non-destructively could damage it.
We Provide A Complete Range Of Non Destructive Testing Services
Origin Endeavours offers a variety of Non Destructive Testing services for various industries. Our specialists utilise the newest technology to guarantee the reliability, effectiveness, and safety of your machines, plants, and products. From the moment we inspect to the moment we produce a comprehensive computerised report, you will receive a comprehensive inspection procedure.
