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 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 services and techniques 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, ultrasonic corrosion 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 services necessary to carry out these tests for our customers.
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.