ALS Global

Penetrant Testing

Based on tried and tested techniques, Penetrant Testing is a widely adopted solution for detecting discontinuities.  

Penetrant testing is a non-destructive testing method used to detect discontinuities open to the testing surface which includes, but is not limited to, cracks, porosity, pipes, seams, forging laps and fusion defects. It is suitable for use on a wide variety of non-absorbent materials such as metals, ceramics and plastics however, porous or overly rough materials are generally unsuitable for penetrant testing.

Penetrant testing is achieved by applying a penetrant liquid to the test specimen’s surface. This liquid is drawn into any surface breaking discontinuity by Capillary Action. After a suitable amount of time, the excess penetrant is removed from the inspection surface and a finely divided developer powder is applied. The developer draws residual penetrant from surface discontinuities thereby providing a visual indication of the discontinuity’s location.