Pre-penetrant etch chemical processing method
Pre-penetrant etch (pre-pen etch) is a surface preparation process which primarily removes smeared material to prepare a part for subsequent Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) processing. Examples of processes that potentially smear material include grinding, sanding, abrasive blasting, buffing, reaming, milling, drilling, and so on.
The type of cleaning process and solutions used depend on the material of the metal part to be processed. But, in general, the pre-pen etch process cleans away a small amount of material which is closely controlled to remove 0.00005 in [0.00125 mm] per surface.
Pre-penetrant etch is an additional service offered on request as part of FPI processing.
Pre-penetrant etch laboratory inspection services
Element offers a complete range of pre-pen etch services with approvals and industry certifications to cover the following specifications:
- HS7725
- RPS 15.45
- C5098
- MTV 607-3
- SS8712 (swab etch)
- EIM Code 8
- RPS 674 (including swab etch)
- CP3605
Pre-penetrant etch processes can be applied to a range of parts, including housings, brackets, rod ends, closures, actuators, pistons, flanges, valve bodies, retainers, yokes, balls, bearing plates, core weldments, and more.
For more information about our pre-penetrant etch services, or to request a quote, contact us today.
Related Services
Aluminium Etching and Cleaning
Aluminum etching is a nondestructive technique used to clean or inspect the material for grain size or surface defects. It is also considered a preparation method for pre-penetrant etch.
Anodic Etching Inspection
Anodic etch is only applicable to stainless steel and nickel-based materials. This nickel alloy inspection method is used to detect surface defects, grain structure, grain size and more.
Chemical Analysis
Find out more about our chemical analysis laboratories that offer a critical resource for both material and product manufacturers.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Find out about the range of NDT services Element uses to evaluate the properties of a material, parts, products, welds, or systems without materially affecting the integrity of the items being tested.