Dye Penetrant Examination (PT)

Penetrant Testing (PT) is used for finding surface-breaking inconsistencies on otherwise smooth, nonporous surfaces.

This traditional, relatively simple field or lab—based NDT method relies on capillary action, or the phenomenon of a liquid rising or climbing when confined to a small opening.  When the excess penetrant is removed and a developer is applied, our trained inspector can then identify any remaining penetrant that would signal a flaw.

This technique is sometimes referred to as Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPT), or Penetrant Testing (PT) and used on a variety of non-ferrous materials including metals, ceramics, and composites. Penetrant Testing is the optimal NDT method for identifying surface anomalies including cracks, seams, laminations, blow holes, laps, external bursts and welding defects.