Gregory James Weaver

Additive manufacturing (AM), often referred to as 3D printing, has changed how metallic components are designed and produced, enabling layer-by-layer fabrication directly from digital models. 

Additive manufacturing (AM) is revolutionizing industries by enabling the production of complex metallic components, but it also presents unique challenges in quality assurance. This article examines the vital role of nondestructive testing (NDT) in ensuring the integrity and reliability of AM products.

NDT certification is essential for professionals in industries where material and structural integrity is critical. It demonstrates expertise and professionalism, benefiting individuals and organizations by improving career prospects, quality control, and compliance with industry standards.

Neutron computed tomography (nCT) is gaining commercial acceptance, while standard 2D neutron radiography (N-ray) has been in use for nearly 100 years. Neutrons interact differently within the atomic structure compared to X-rays, providing insight into the internal structure of a part.

Aircraft wheels are put through aggressive and cyclic NDT inspection protocol and the wheel’s potential for failure has led manufacturers to require various repetitive inspections at regular intervals.

Flaws can come in many different shapes, orientations, and sizes. They can be minor material differences, surface imperfections, or anything that is not supposed to be on or in a component.

The Resonance Acoustic Method (RAM) is a long-standing nondestructive test (NDT) that measures the structural responses of a part. These responses are a set of unique and measurable natural frequency (resonance) data.

2D Radiography (x-ray), a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) method, is applied in a multitude of manufacturing, repair industries, and in every type of inspection program. 2D X-ray is the most used NDT method outside of visual inspection.

Flaws can be found in every type of material and component, no matter the method of manufacturing, processing, or finishing used. Selecting the proper detection method is crucial, because, even if a flaw is not actually a defect, you still want to be able to detect and evaluate them.