Non-Destructive Testing for Metal Casting
Metal casting is completed by pouring molten metal into a mold to form the desired shape. The molten metal cools, solidifies, and hardens into a simple or complex part. Throughout each step of the metal casting process, extreme care must be taken to ensure minimal imperfections in the finished results. However, discontinuities can occur during the hardening process, causing flaws in the finished product. Non-destructive testing (NDT) is critical for identifying imperfections in cast metal products.
What Is Non-Destructive Metal Testing?
Non-destructive testing (NDT) provides quality control for various metal castings without damaging the integrity of the finished material. NDT identifies faulty or compromised parts before they go through further processing. Using magnetic particle testing, radiographic film testing, and fluorescent penetrant testing methods, metal casting inspection services identify areas of concern before failure occurs, saving you time and money in the long run.
American Metal Testing is Your Source for Metal Testing & Casting Inspection
At American Metal Testing, we provide the highest standard of NDT processes for metal castings. In addition to being a NADCAP-accredited and ASTM-compliant testing lab, we are prepared to meet your specifications and quality standards for every NDT service. When you work with American Metal Testing, you can be confident that your metal casting meets every applicable industrial and planned use guideline.
Common NDT Methods for Cast Metal Parts
The performance of metal castings can be critically impacted by internal or surface flaws, many of which are invisible to the human eye during a visual inspection. By utilizing non-destructive testing, you ensure that your cast metal components will work as designed without causing any physical damage to the part.
Magnetic Particle Testing
Applicable to ferromagnetic metal casting containing iron or steel, magnetic particle inspection detects surface or near-surface issues on the component. This process involves inducing a magnetic field via an electric current around the component. When a discontinuity is present, the magnetic field is disrupted. We interpret and evaluate our findings and then clean the metal casting of any residue left behind by our examination.
Radiographic Film Testing
Radiographic inspections occur through x-rays passing through a cast metal part to find and reveal any internal discontinuities. It applies to metal castings as well as non-metal materials. It is sometimes also referred to as a volumetric inspection method, as radiographic testing examines a cross-section of the metal casting. By studying the resulting radiographic films, defects are easily identified and addressed.
Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection
During the metal casting process, tiny cracks, pores, and other surface imperfections can occur that cannot be seen during a visual inspection. Fluorescent penetrant testing can be used to find flaws in most non-porous materials. After cleaning the metal casting, a level-3 high-sensitivity fluorescent liquid penetrant is applied and drawn into any flaws by capillary action. The part is then washed, dried, and developed to reveal any possible surface flaws. Once the testing is complete, the metal casting is thoroughly cleaned of any residue left behind during our examination.
NDT Metal Casting Inspection Services from American Metal Testing
American Metal Testing is committed to maintaining the best quality, integrity, and standards in all non-destructive testing and failure analysis of metal components, machine parts, and metal casting. Our magnetic particle, radiographic film, and fluorescent particle NDT processes are designed to ensure your metal castings are free from defects. We comply with ASTM standards and are NADCAP accredited. We also provide non-destructive testing services for a wide range of industrial sectors, including:
- Aerospace
- Military and Defense
- Transportation
- Wind Turbines
Contact Us to Discover Metal Casting Inspection Services for Your Industry
Contact American Metal Testing to learn more about our metal inspection services. You can also request a quote for additional pricing information. We take pride in providing thorough, industry-leading non-destructive testing procedures to identify deficiencies in your metal castings. Trust American Metal Testing for all your industrial NDT needs.
