No matter what markets they serve or what type of products they supply, manufacturers are in essence providing a single thing — reliability. They are selling their customers the peace of mind that comes with knowing that once they install a component or piece of equipment from those manufacturers, they can count on it to deliver the results they need every time. Because that reliability is so crucial to their success, manufacturers depend on non-destructive testing to give their customers confidence that their products will live up to their promises in every possible application.
These methods provide significant benefits to manufacturers because it allows them to identify potentially serious flaws before they have an opportunity to become significant problems. No matter what type of precision component testing technique is utilized, non-destructive inspection keeps materials and components intact during the testing process. This means those materials and components can be returned to active use much sooner, without the need for more costly replacement or repairs.
As a leader in the industry, Rhinehart Finishing leverages our complete expertise in industrial NDT and inspection services and our state-of-the-art facility to deliver the best possible results for our customers.
The Latest in Non-Destructive Testing Methods
Non-destructive testing describes a wide variety of techniques used to test the properties of a component or system without causing any damage to or changing the materials in whatever is being tested. These techniques can range from the use of ultrasonic waves to introducing dyes into the surface of a component.
Ultrasonic non-destructive testing uses high-frequency sound waves to determine the thickness or internal structure of materials. The sound waves travel through the materials until they make contact with a different medium and then bounce back to the source. Measuring the wavelengths of these reflections tells researchers about the composition of the test piece as well as whether any flaws are present. Typically, high-frequency ultrasonic testing is used on metal, but the same principles can be applied to a wider range of materials, including plastics, composites and ceramics. One of the biggest benefits of this method, in addition to being completely non-destructive, is that access to only one side of the sample is needed.
These methods are most often deployed to identify flaws and damage that may not be visible to the naked eye. For example, liquid penetrant inspection is used frequently to identify cracks in the surface of materials that can lead to serious damage or equipment failure over time. The cracks may be so small and thin that they are effectively invisible to technicians conducting a visual inspection. Though after applying a liquid penetrant containing highly visible dyes to the surface, the penetrant will fill the crack and render it visible to inspectors.
When Is NDT Testing Used?
The most common usage of these techniques is to check the condition of certain components or equipment either before or while they are in use. Our expertise means we can assist a broad spectrum of industries. For example, it may be used in the automotive sector to test piston heads and other engine parts.
Manufacturers often utilize this method for checking the quality of certain pieces before assembly of the finished product. Military and defense contractors depend on it for ballistics testing and analysis. No matter what the circumstances, we have the skills and the industrial inspection services necessary to carry out these tests for our customers.
How Rhinehart Customizes NDT Solutions
NDT services are not one-size-fits-all, which is why Rhinehart puts in the time to ensure our capabilities are tailored to match clients’ precise needs. Our engineers evaluate the complexity of parts, their material composition, tolerance specs and performance requirements to make sure we recommend the optimal testing protocols.
We understand the differing testing needs for different applications. For example, ballistic panels call for ultrasonic and penetrant testing while automotive castings require thickness and visual testing. Our customized protocols are essential for reducing false positives, avoiding part rejection and ensuring industrial inspection processes align with the real-world function of the component. We work closely with manufacturers to align NDT with their production schedules, quality assurance benchmarks and required certifications.
Common Flaws Detected with NDT Methods
Some of the most common flaws NDT techniques can reveal include micro-cracks, voids, porosity, delamination, wall thinning, corrosion pits and weld discontinuities. Surface-level flaws may go unnoticed without liquid penetrant testing, while subsurface flaws require ultrasonic or radiographic testing to uncover. This means multiple techniques may be needed to ensure the most comprehensive NDT inspection profile, which is essential for aerospace, military and other types of high-spec manufacturing. Our lab is fully equipped to detect visible and internal issues, reducing the risk of in-field product failures.
Why Choose Rhinehart Finishing?
Rhinehart Finishing has earned a reputation in the industry as one of the leading providers of industrial NDT services. That’s due, in no small part, to the extensive range of testing techniques we offer as well as our advanced technological capabilities. Our 100,000-square-foot production facility features a state-of-the-art quality testing laboratory, where we offer a full range of paint quality testing and other testing services that include the most common as well as the latest non-destructive testing technologies.
When choosing Rhinehart Finishing to provide testing for your products, systems or components, you’ll know that you’re receiving the most advanced and effective testing available in the industry.
No matter what else they provide their customers, manufacturers’ most important product is reliability. NDT is one of the best ways to ensure that manufacturers are giving their customers that reliability. With the extensive capabilities and technology we have in-house, Rhinehart Finishing continues to be one of the best sources for non-destructive testing in the industry.
Contact us today or request a quote to learn how we can help you deliver reliability to your customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between destructive and non-destructive testing?
Destructive testing damages or destroys the part to test its limits, while NDT preserves the component for continued use. This makes NDT valuable for validating sample parts during R&D or production runs.
How often should NDT be performed in a production environment?
The frequency of NDT depends on production volume, application risk, applicable industry standards such as MIL-STD or ASTM, and customer quality requirements.
Is NDT required for military or defense components?
Yes, many specific mandates from the Department of Defense or OEMs serving the defense sector require ultrasonic, dye penetrant or magnetic particle inspection for mission-critical parts.
Can you provide certification or reporting with non-destructive testing services?
Rhinehart supplies documented inspection reports and can meet a wide range of customer-specific formats, with certifications available upon request. Talk to one of our representatives to discuss your particular needs.