How To Become A Non-Destructive Testing Technician?

A Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technician is responsible for examining the physical properties of components and materials to detect cracks, corrosion, flaws, and other similar imperfections which could interfere with the product performance or may result in product failure. Besides testing the unreliability in products, they inspect plant machinery to conclude if maintenance is required or not.

Materials and components that are used for structures are always tested at different stages to ensure they are absolutely safe. A particular material used in aircraft manufacturing, for instance, is tested at the time of creation to ensure that it could withstand certain conditions.

An NDT technician uses a variety of techniques to examine and test materials, mentioned below:

• Visual inspection - This includes the use of lenses, fiber optic devices, and close circuit television.
• Liquid dye penetrant testing - The test includes fluorescent liquids to strain surfaces which determine imperfections under UV lights.
• Magnetic particle testing - The test includes magnetic particles that applied to a magnetized ferrous material to identify defects and cracks. The test is often combined with liquid dye penetrant testing.
• Radiographic testing - The test determines internal defects when a material is X-rayed.
• Ultrasonic testing - The test uses high-frequency sound waves that are fired onto a material. The difference in reflected signals interprets possible imperfections.
• Eddy current testing - The test includes an electrical current which is passed through a conductive material. To examine the reliability, the difference in the flow of the current is measured.
• Resonant testing - The test uses acoustic emissions and vibrations to listen to the presence of imperfection like a crack.

How can you become a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technician?

When you want to become an NDT technician, you must have the following skills:

• Good analytical skills
• Excellent IT skills
• Attentive to details
• Good eyesight and color vision
• Communication skills, including verbal and written
• Able to use a wide variety of tools
• Awareness of health and safety issues

To become a technician, you must consider enrolling for an NDT Technician Training Program. Besides attaining the mentioned qualifications, the NDT technician course helps you learn how to work in laboratories, factory floors, and outdoors.