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View Fluorescent Penetrants
The Importance of Liquid Penetrant Inspection
Selecting the Correct Penetrant Method Per AMS 2644
Differences Between Sensitivity
Common Applications
Common Terms
Process Guides
Liquid penetrant inspection is a nondestructive test method which does not harm the parts being inspected. The testing methods detect cracks, fractures, laps, seams and other flaws that are open to the surface that may have been caused by fatigue, impact, quenching, machining, grinding, forging or overload. The process is used on machined parts, castings, forgings and other items that will be placed into service or already in service requiring maintenance.
The process involves applying a penetrant chemical, visible or fluorescent, directly to the part that’s to be inspected. The excess penetrant is removed and a developer is applied to draw the penetrant deep from the cracks to the surface of the part. The penetrant contrasts with the surface of the part so the crack is identified more easily. Fluorescent penetrants are used under an ultraviolet light that makes penetrant fluoresce. The chemical, equipment and NDT accessory choices have grown but the fundamentals and benefits of liquid penetrant inspection have endured the test of time.
Liquid penetrant inspection can be performed on most materials that are not extremely rough or porous, including material composition that is metallic or nonmetallic, magnetic or nonmagnetic and conductive or nonconductive.
Liquid penetrant inspection is a fast, easy and efficient means of surface inspection. Large quantities of parts or materials can be inspected quickly. Parts of almost any shape, size and geometry can be inspected.
Sensitivity levels are a classification system specifically for fluorescent liquid penetrants that are not applied to visible penetrants. Higher sensitivity penetrants have the capability to detect smaller cracks and defects.
Sensitivity levels are a classification system for fluorescent liquid penetrants which is outlined in AMS 2644 Inspection Material, Penetrant specification. Sensitivity levels are not applied to visible penetrants.
The primary consideration when deciding on which sensitivity level penetrant to use is the guidance provided by governing specifications. The penetrant sensitivity level is stated in the working specifications for the process. This is particularly true when penetrant inspection involves safety critical parts. The specifications and standard operating procedures will dictate the penetrant sensitivity to be used.
If the penetrant sensitivity level is not already established by a specification or procedure, evaluation on actual parts with a few penetrants is strongly recommended. A lower sensitivity penetrant works well on rough surfaces, while a higher sensitivity penetrant is suitable for highly machined surfaces. Penetrant evaluation on actual parts is important to confirm proper sensitivity with acceptable background fluorescence to detect the type of defects typically found on the parts.
Penetrant evaluation on actual test parts can also confirm proper processing parameters such as dwell time and rinse time. It is possible that more than one penetrant sensitivity level will be used in a facility because of different parts, processes, and customer specifications in use at a given location.
Watch in this video and learn about the penetrant inspection method, including basic steps for NDT with an AMS 2644 Type 1 water washable penetrant.
Published January 28, 2020
Learn how a automotive manufacturer increased indication detection in visible and UV light with developer.
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Learn the differences between water-removable and non-water-washable liquid penetrant to figure out which is right for you
As the NDT industry continues to modernize and evolve in the 21st century, sustainability has become a hot topic. For suppliers and consumers of NDT products, evaluating and adjusting processes and products, investing in innovative technologies, and putting sustainability at the forefront are critical.
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Watch a demonstration of the penetrant inspection method according to ASTM E1417, including basic steps for NDT with an AMS 2644 Type 1 penetrant.
Liquid penetrant inspection is a nondestructive test method which does not harm the parts being inspected.
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