While NDT, NDE, and NDI all involve assessing components or structures for defects without causing any damage, each technique differs based on your overall goal.
NDT refers to non-destructive testing, NDE means non-destructive examination, and NDI signifies non-destructive inspection.
These terms are often used interchangeably, but the terminology matters.
What is NDT?
NDT, or non-destructive testing, investigates the integrity, safety, and performance of a component, material, or structure without physically or chemically altering it. In this way, non-destructive testing does not interfere with the product’s intended use.
Simply put, NDT can help you tell if a given component has an internal or surface defect or flaw to help catch potential failures before they happen.
At American Testing Services, we provide non-destructive testing solutions, giving you peace of mind that a component or product is in good working order.
What is NDE?
NDE, or non-destructive examination, goes beyond the scope of NDT to provide a bigger picture of the defects that are present.
In other words, NDE can provide information about the dimensions, shape, and nature of a defect.
This type of procedure measures and characterizes the exact size, shape, and other properties of a flaw to decide how severe it is and how it will affect the remaining lifespan and overall safety of the component.
At American Testing Services, we use NDE to provide detailed information about potential flaws in components or systems and what that means for future use.
What is NDI?
Finally, NDI, or non-destructive inspection, usually takes place at a set point in time, such as during a scheduled maintenance session or a compliance check.
This technique helps ensure that the specific part you are evaluating meets safety and compliance requirements right at that moment.
American Testing Services provides NDI on-site in the field or in-house at our facility.
How Are These Methods Similar?
The outcome of each of these methods provides you with different information, but they all aim to locate flaws, including cracks, voids or porosity, welding defects, corrosion, thinning materials, and other defects.
They also rely on similar techniques, including:
- Visual inspection, using direct sight or optical tools to determine if imperfections exist.
- Ultrasonic testing, utilizing high-frequency sound waves to discover internal flaws.
- Radiography, a two-dimensional assessment to unveil deficiencies not visible to the naked eye.
- Magnetic particle testing, which makes use of magnetic particles to locate cracks in or near the surface of a steel object.
- Liquid penetrant testing, where fluorescent or visible liquid dye helps zero in on surface-breaking flaws.
- Eddy current testing, or electromagnetic induction on conductive materials, offers exact measurements of material and coating thickness.
Which Method is Best?
If you’re trying to determine whether NDT, NDE, or NDI is best for your application, the answer depends on the information you intend to gain and on your industry’s preference.
For instance, NDT is often used in general manufacturing, industrial settings, and in oil and gas pipelines to help detect flaws.
Research labs, universities, and advanced engineering settings make use of NDE to gain quantitative data about a product’s flaws.
NDI is often employed in industries requiring routine maintenance such as aerospace and defense.
Schedule Non-Destructive Services Today
Whether you need NDT, NDI, or NDE, American Testing Services has you covered — at our facility or in the field.
We help you verify the structural integrity, quality, and functionality of materials, components, or systems, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Ready to check testing off your list? Contact American Testing Services today to outsource these services and rest easy knowing the job is done right.