Dye penetrant testing (also known as liquid penetrant inspection) is a non-destructive testing method for detecting surface-breaking flaws such as cracks, corrosion, porosity, laps and bursts in a variety of non-porous materials including metals, ceramics and plastics.

Whether used on-site or in one of our laboratories, penetrant inspection has, for many years, proven itself to be a highly efficient, cost effective, reliable and safe solution for detecting surface breaking flaws/faults.

Tailwind Solutions Limited commonly use dye penetrant for inspections of non-ferrous components.

Typical inspections include aircraft structures and components, castings, forgings and welded fabrications.

Our technicians have expertise in all types of dye penetrant inspection methods including colour contrast (Red Dye), fluorescent, post-emulsifiable and water washable for larger complex geometrical components.

All our inspectors are level II or level III certified to EN4179/NAS410, PCN or ASNT where relevant.

Advantages:

• Rapid, cost-efficient method for large surface areas and large volumes.
• Facilitates inspection of parts with complex geometry.
• Indications are produced directly on the surface of the part, providing a visual, 1-1 scale representation of the discontinuity

Disadvantages:

• Can only detect surface-breaking defects.
• Proper surface preparation and cleaning is required and critical.
• Requires a non-porous surface.
• Post-inspection cleaning is necessary to remove residual inspection products.
• Requires controlled conditions.
• Proper chemical handling precautions are required.