Also known as Visual Inspection, VT is the one NDT method used extensively to evaluate the condition or the quality of a weld or component. It is easily carried out, inexpensive and usually doesn’t require special equipment.
It is used for the inspection of welds and other components where quick detection and the correction of flaws or process related problems can result in significant cost savings. It is the primary evaluation method of many quality control programmers.
VT requires good vision, good lighting and the knowledge of what to look for. Visual inspection can be enhanced by various methods ranging from low power magnifying glasses through to boroscopes. These devices can also be used with television camera systems. Surface preparation can range from wiping with a cloth to blast cleaning and treating with chemicals to show the surface details.
It can identify where a failure is most likely to occur and identify when failure has commenced. VT is often enhanced by other methods of inspection which can identify defects that are not easily seen by the eye.
