How Penetrant Testing (PT) Works
Penetrant testing, also known as PT, is a non-destructive testing method for detecting surface defects in non-porous materials. Typical materials include: aluminium, magnesium, titanium, stainless steels.
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Step 1 – Preparation
Clean the surface to remove dirt, oil, and residues.
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Step 2 – Apply Penetrant
The red or fluorescent liquid is applied and penetrates any defects.
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Step 3 – Intermediate Cleaning
Remove excess penetrant without flushing it out of the defects.
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Step 4 – Apply Developer
Apply the white developer, which draws the penetrant from the defects to the surface.
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Step 5 – Evaluation
The defects appear clearly visible. For fluorescent methods, evaluation is performed under UV light.
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Step 6 – Final Cleaning and Documentation
After evaluation, clean the component and record the results.
- Red-White Testing – for simple and quick visual inspections
- Fluorescent Testing – particularly sensitive, ideal for safety-critical components
Penetrant testing is cost-effective, flexible, and delivers reliable results even for complex geometries. It is one of the most important methods in non-destructive testing.