Non destructive testing (NDT) is the process of inspecting and testing components for discontinuities, or defects without altering or affecting the part in any way, with this when the inspection or test is completed the part can still be used.

NDT Covers a wide group of testing processes and there are 3 main processes available at South West Metal Finishing.

Accredited

We have worked with companies from a wide range of sectors and have obtained many company approvals and accreditations.

Magnetic Particle Inspection

Magnetic Particle Inspection uses a magnetic field to locate surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials. When very fine ferromagnetic particles are applied to the surface of the part and the magnetic field encounters a discontinuity the particles will be drawn into the discontinuity, producing a visible indication on the surface of the part.

Florescent Penetrant Inspection

Florescent Penetrant Inspection uses a very low viscosity fluorescent liquid which is applied to the surface of a part, it penetrates into defects on the surface. Once the excess penetrant is removed, the penetrant trapped in those defects will flow back out, creating an indication which can be seen under black light. Penetrant testing can be performed on magnetic and non-magnetic materials, but does not work well on porous materials.

Nital Etch Inspection

Nital Etch Inspection is a test to determine if heat has been induced to a hardened steel component by machining, grinding, or other means, which will adversely affect the properties of the component. Under certain circumstances machining and grinding can introduce sufficient heat into a component to “burn” its surface. This is generally caused by local overheating and can produce undesirable changes in the metal’s properties. If an area is overheated, it will appear darker than the surrounding after etching.

Applications For NDT

  • Aerospace, used for detection of flaws in bushes gears
  • General engineering, used for weld verification

Contact Us

Our technical support team are here to help answer any questions or queries you may have.

Example Specifications

  • American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
  • British Standard (BS-EN)
  • APB 6 5529/30
  • AITM 6-1001
  • ASTM-E-1417/1444
  • Airbus
  • Safran
  • and many others

Non Destructive Testing Services

Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection

Magnetic Particle Inspection

Need help?

Are you unsure which surface treatment you need, or do you require some advice? Get in touch today and a member of our expert team will be happy to help.

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Acid Etch Inspection

Conductivity Testing

Need help?

Are you unsure which surface treatment you need, or do you require some advice? Get in touch today and a member of our expert team will be happy to help.

Email us

Please complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.

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Sectors

Surface treatment services to the aerospace and other high technology sectors.

Surface Coatings

We offer an extensive range of coating services including Electroplating, Electroless Plating, Anodising, Conversion Coatings, Paint and Non Destructive Testing.

The Environment

As a business, South West Metal Finishing recognises its Duty of Care with respect to the environment.