Non-Destructive Testing

Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection

With surface plating being a prominent part of what we do at Reid Metal Finishing, verifying surface integrity is a natural quality control measure. That is why we employ non-destructive testing (NDT) in the form of FPI to ensure the components we treat are free of defects and surface irregularities.

Reid Metal Finishing performs Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) to ensure that our customers’ components and parts have crack-free, high-integrity surfaces. FPI is a non-destructive procedure that applies a fluorescent oil to the surface of the part. The oil seeps into any defects, stress points, or surface cracks that are then highlighted under a black light. This allows us to examine components for even very tiny irregularities on their surfaces.

While FPI is limited to only detecting surface defects, this type of testing is highly sensitive and can detect even the smallest surface imperfections. Our customers that require FPI use this type of testing to ensure that all of their parts have an even, quality surface free of damage and are up to their standards.

We also have added Magnetic Particle Testing to our list of capabilities. Mag Testing or MT is another non-destructive testing method that checks for surface discontinuities on ferrous-type metals, such as nickel and certain alloys. Magnetic Particle Testing not only determines the origin of small cracks and irregularities on metal surfaces; this type of NDT can also allow the operator to determine the cause of the irregularity. Both surface and near-surface irregularities can be detected through magnetic particle testing equipment.