The evolution of NDT training has been an interesting and challenging trip. And along the way there have been issues that have not always been effectively addressed.

Effective communication only happens when the intended message is expressed successfully by one person and received and understood by another. If executed correctly, it cuts down the unintended consequences that arise as a result of miscommunication. 

The technology of nondestructive testing has experienced phenomenal growth over the past two decades and it is expected that this growth will continue for the foreseeable future. 

Radiographs have been interpreted since Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen first observed the X-ray of his wife’s hand back in 1896. The process of radiographic interpretation consists of many variables with the major objective being achieving the highest possible quality level or sensitivity.

It is true that magnetic particle testing (MT) is one of the oldest NDT methods, and over the years has proven itself to be not only reliable, but cost effective, when it is applied properly with qualified personnel. 

For decades in the United States, NDT personnel certification has been in a state of chaos. Since 1968, the basic certification program SNT-TC-1A, a “recommended practice” has been adopted and followed by many organizations.

Radiographic testing (RT) techniques should be developed to achieve the highest image quality level achievable. 

All Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) or examination methods comprise the following steps: the search for, and detection of the discontinuities, the indication or recording or signal–processing of those detected discontinuities, and the human interpretation of that indication, record or signal.

This method has been proven to be one of the most reliable NDT methods for the detection of surface and near-surface discontinuities, as mentioned in an article “Key Elements of Magnetic Particle Testing” in the August 2015 issue of Quality. And even though it is a time-proven and accepted method, there are still cases of misuse and a general lack of understanding of the basic MT principles.

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), one of the oldest and most reliable NDT methods, is often not given the recognition it deserves.