The importance of NDT
When Superman needs to rescue hostages in a large building with toxic gas quickly spreading throughout, he can’t simply tear the building apart in a reckless search and rescue, entertaining as it may be. The whole structure would collapse, turning a rescue operation into a dangerous demolition event. Instead, he relies on his famous x-ray vision to assess the situation and develop a rescue plan that keeps the building standing and allows employees in Metropolis to return to a safe office environment the very next day.
Similarly, when a manufacturing component or some other product must be assessed for meeting specific standards without affecting its own integrity, unsung heroes use x-rays and many other sophisticated technologies to protect those whose lives depend on those parts functioning as intended. At thyssenkrupp these heroes are part of the Quality Solutions team, providing a variety of Nondestructive Testing (NDT) techniques at multiple facilities throughout North America.
There are many forms of NDT, each with their own particular area of application. Sometimes areas of concern can be identified by the naked eye, using Visual Testing (VT). Also supported by tools such as rules, gauges, and cameras, experts can detect visible flaws such as deformations, welding defects, corrosion, and other forms of impurities. Besides its applications in manufacturing and machinery, VT is conducted to rule out contamination in pharmaceuticals, food products, gas and oil, and additional chemicals.
Many industries including automotive and aerospace production, pulp and paper, and power and utilities rely on NDT to ensure mechanical parts and components are not compromised in any way. Utilizing methods like Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Radiographic Testing (RT), and Hardness Testing (HT), our experts can identify otherwise invisible weaknesses and inconsistencies in components that must meet specific compliance standards, ensuring safe applications and increasing efficiency.
Some NDT methods can be dangerous, and for this reason thyssenkrupp protects its staff and business partners with a zero-tolerance policy for safety violations in these areas. Comprehensive Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), Safe Work Permits, and team members meeting requirements set forth by The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (SNT-TC-1A) all help to foster a culture of proactive identification and timely elimination of safety hazards in the workplace.
For more information on how your business can benefit from NDT, contact the Quality Solutions team today at 1-586-383-2437 or e-mail Aaron.Turner@thyssenkrupp.com.