Penetrant Testing Insights

What is Penetrant Testing?

Penetrant testing (PT), also called liquid penetrant inspection (LPI) or dye penetrant inspection (DPI), is a widely used non-destructive testing method to detect surface-breaking defects in all non-porous materials (metals, plastics, or ceramics). Penetrant is applied to the surface, allowed to dwell, excess penetrant is removed, and then a developer is applied to draw penetrant from defects, making them visible.

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What other technologies are related to Penetrant Testing?

Penetrant Testing Competitor Technologies

Magnetic Particle Testing

Magnetic particle testing is a competitor because it is another surface inspection method used to detect surface and near-surface flaws in ferromagnetic materials. It offers an alternative to penetrant testing in many applications.

mentioned alongside Penetrant Testing in 24% (236) of relevant job posts

Ultrasonic Testing

Ultrasonic testing is a competitor because it can detect subsurface flaws that penetrant testing cannot detect, and it can be used on a wider range of materials.

mentioned alongside Penetrant Testing in 13% (226) of relevant job posts

Eddy Current Testing

Eddy current testing is a competitor because it is another surface inspection method used to detect surface and near-surface flaws in conductive materials. It can sometimes be used where penetrant testing is not suitable.

mentioned alongside Penetrant Testing in 17% (83) of relevant job posts

Radiographic Testing

Radiographic testing is a competitor because, like ultrasonic testing, it can detect subsurface flaws that penetrant testing cannot detect. It provides a volumetric inspection capability.

mentioned alongside Penetrant Testing in 18% (73) of relevant job posts

Penetrant Testing Complementary Technologies

Visual Testing

Visual testing is complementary because it is often used before penetrant testing to identify potential areas of concern or to clean the surface properly. It can also be used after penetrant testing to confirm the indications found.

mentioned alongside Penetrant Testing in 18% (69) of relevant job posts