If you are considering purchasing new nondestructive testing (NDT) equipment, some thought should be given to the advantages of renting versus owning. Owning your NDT equipment may be attractive; however, considerations need to be given to the unforeseen expenditures, management and inventory challenges. Renting may prove to be the best solution after careful review of the reasons for renting and the cost savings that may result.
Given the cost and wide selection of NDT equipment it is virtually impossible for even the largest organization to own every type of NDT technology. Within a given NDT discipline there may be several types of instruments that vary in capability. Different manufacturers may offer a variety of features that make one superior for certain applications. For example, it is common to have a borescope in your NDT inventory; however, it may not be the correct length or diameter or may miss a certain feature that you need for a certain inspection. Renting your NDT inventory automatically gives you an incredibly large inventory for more applications that would not be possible by purchasing alone.