Element’s radiographic testing and inspection laboratories have the latest technologies to provide radiographic testing for the Aerospace, Energy, and Power Generation Sectors. Our global experts advise on the most suitable testing methods to make certain your materials and products are fit for purpose.
What is radiographic testing?
Radiographic testing (RT) is one of the most popular non-destructive testing methods used to detect defects in a wide range of products. It uses x-rays or gamma rays to identify flaws in weld quality, castings, structures, and composites. It is used predominantly in the fabricating and casting industries for quality control, where it reveals faults such as porosity, inclusions, and cracks.
Radiographic inspection uses an isotope or an x-ray tube to create an image. Volumetric inspection detects defects which are not open to the surface, and which may not otherwise be detectable.
Radiographic inspection methods
Our industry-leading radiographic testing and inspection capabilities include a range of traditional and more advanced digital methods of radiographic inspection:
Conventional Radiography
Element’s radiographic inspection staff are certified to ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP), PCN (ISO 9712 compliant), EN 4179 and NAS 410. Our Level II and Level III technicians can perform conventional film radiography, a portable method which is capable of revealing the most microscopic cracks in metallic materials through metallurgical testing.
Close Proximity Radiography (CPR)
In addition to conventional and digital radiography, Element offers Close Proximity Radiography (CPR). The CPR system, also known as “Small Controlled Area Radiography” (SCAR), has been developed as a unique industrial radiography process that does not require evacuations of personnel. Close proximity radiography can produce both film and digital imaging.
Computed Radiography (CR)
Our NDT laboratories also perform Computed Radiography, a method that produces an image in a digital format that can be viewed on any laptop or computer, eliminating the need for chemical processing and costly film storage.
Digital Radiography (DR)
We also have the latest digital radiographic equipment using Digital Detector Arrays (DDA) where images are displayed directly onto a computer screen and can quickly and easily be shared. Understand the difference between Computed Radiography (CR) and Digital Radiography (DR).
Linear accelerator testing (LINAC)
Linear accelerators are used for testing thick and dense materials such as steel. Due to their high performance, they require significantly less time to penetrate the material.
Computed Tomography (CT)
Computed Tomography is the most advanced radiographic testing method that uses an automated detector motion to gather thousands of images at various angles to create a 3D image. The image can be viewed on the screen and further processed with a CAD program or analysis software.
Advantages of radiographic testing
The advantages of using radiography inspection as your chosen non-destructive testing method.
- Ability to inspect assembled components
- Requires minimum surface preparation
- Detects both subsurface and surface defects
- Provides a permanent film record of testing
- Verifies internal flaws in complex structures
- Conducted by highly trained, certified experts
The Element advantage
Whether you require on-site field services or in-lab RT laboratory analysis, our global platform of experts and resources delivers the certainty your radiographic inspection projects require.
To learn more about our radiographic testing and inspection services or to request a quote, contact us today.
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Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)
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Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
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