The term non-destructive testing (NDT) covers a range of methods used to verify the integrity of parts, components, materials and structures without damaging them. Non-destructive testing supplements destructive testing, which is carried out to determine the strength of structures by methods such as breaking, peeling, etc.
FAQ
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a range of methods used to verify the integrity of parts, components, materials and structures without damaging them.
Non-destructive testing (or inspection) does not destroy or in any way alter the parts, components, equipment or facilities tested. The materials and structures retain their full integrity, in contrast to destructive testing (breakage, stretching, wear, bending, etc.), in which the objects tested can no longer be used or are completely destroyed.
A wide range of non-destructive testing methods is available. The tests can be performed separately or sometimes in combination. The main methods include: x ray radiography, ultrasonic, dye penetrant, leak, eddy current and magnetic particle tests. The type of test to be applied depends on the type and nature of the components or structures to be analysed. We build on our experience going back nearly 50 years to provide virtually the full range of techniques currently in use.
Customers, particularly those working in “sensitive” industries, require NDT. They will only do business with you if you provide a guarantee that you comply with the applicable regulations concerning quality and reliability and hence safety.
Most major industrial sectors, including the civilian and military aerospace, sheet metal fabrication, nuclear, chemical, shipbuilding, automotive, steel, pharmaceutical and food processing industries, use NDT to ensure the quality and reliability of their products. As a general rule, “sensitive” industries and industries producing high-cost or high-reliability components in which safety is a critical factor (nuclear, aerospace, etc.) employ NDT.
No, NDT is increasingly expanding into new (and sometimes surprising) sectors. For example, managers of sports facilities (skating rinks) use NDT to check the integrity of their cooling equipment. NDT is often used to check food container welds and jewellery metal plating thickness. The ionising radiation sources commonly used in NDT are also employed in the medical field (inoculation of mice used in cancer research, radiation of blood bags, etc.). NDT is also used in cultural (old paintings) and archaeological applications.
As specialists, we give you the benefit of state-of-the-art facilities for performing all types of NDT. Most NDT equipment requires substantial investment. It would be economically unprofitable or prohibitively expensive for a company to acquire such equipment and obtain the specific certifications required to operate it.
An industrial company can carry out NDT, provided it has the required certifications and equipment. Actemium has long designed and produced ionising radiation (x ray and gamma ray) equipment in France. Its teams have put together a comprehensive range of solutions and services (engineering, sale, integration, maintenance) of x ray, gamma ray and ultrasound equipment based on existing products. They can help you define your need and supply the equipment to meet them.
Actemium maintains NDT equipment. Our teams are more particularly specialised in x ray, gamma ray and ultrasound equipment and more broadly in all facilities that produce ionising radiation.
Our teams support you in making this choice. We propose the solution that best meets your expectations and those of your customers and help you to define your needs, comply with regulatory requirements and draw up a specification.
Yes, certification is required. In addition to “general” certification (ISO 9001, ISE 14001, OHSAS 18001, ISO 9712, etc.), we have the full range of certifications required for NDT and the qualifications that are specific to certain industrial environments and/or customers (aerospace, nuclear, petrochemicals, etc.): EN 9100, NADCAP, ISO 0712, EN 4179, COFREND, COSAC, CEFRI-E, CAS 1, MASE, etc. Our technicians are also individually certified to perform the tasks assigned to them.
Our teams are fully mobile and we have NDT equipment that can be transported. There is therefore nothing to prevent us from supporting your projects all over the world.