NDT AS A CAREER
Non Destructive Testing has become a regular practice in manufacturing since 20th century and still rapidly growing field as compared to other technologies. Day by day more and more research has been undertaken by NDT engineers to make the method most reliable to fulfil the testing and get the desired results.
In the current industrial environment, many people are not aware of NDT, not even basics even though it plays an important role in manufacturing critical components over a wide range of industries automobile, aircraft, aerospace, pressure vessels, piping, Valve Manufacturing, Petroleum and many more.
Hence there is a need to make spread among the people in the manufacturing industry.
Moreover, NDT is a great field for Learning and growing in today’s rapidly growing industry.
NDT TECHNICIAN ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
NDT technicians utilize a variety of technologies to inspect products and materials for internal and external discontinuities.
This is a highly technical role requiring familiarity with one or more methods of NDT and a keen eye for detail, data interpretation, and imaging analysis. Most NDT technicians achieve levels of certification, and some technical schools offer associate’s degrees in NDT technology from various code such as ASNT, PCN etc.
NDT TECHNICIAN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The NDT technician’s responsibilities vary depending on their field and the type of testing technology they utilize, but most are trained in various methodologies.
CALIBRATE AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT
For reliable and precise reading and results, we required to calibrate the equipment to get a reference result. Hence, NDT test methods use standard reference materials for calibration of test equipment.
NDT technicians need to ensure the accuracy of test results and prevent damage to materials by properly calibrating and maintaining their equipment, this means they have to test the equipment before the inspection.
CONDUCTING TEST OF ITEMS
The main responsibility of an NDT technician is to conduct the material test using a wide range of NDT methodologies and technologies.
The main objective is to identify material discontinuities, such as incomplete welds, corrosion, gaps, cavities or foreign material inclusions, etc.
INTERPRETATION OF TEST RESULTS
NDT technicians interpret test results to assess materials and decide if the test piece if fit for use.
This can include evaluation of the radiographs obtained from RT test, indications made visible after performing liquid penetrant or magnetic particle testing, echo’s obtained during Ultrasonic testing, etc with respect to the applicable code or standard.
PREPARATION OF REPORTS
One the evaluation and interpretation of test finding has completed these findings NDT technicians develop, update, and issue documentation related to the tests they have performed.
These reports generally outline the procedures used, testing parameters and results of the tests, and any recommendations for manufacturing professionals or engineers. These reports are permanent records stored for future reference.
DEVELOPING PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES
NDT technicians need to understand the customer requirements, product service requirements, inspection and test plan capable enough to examine required parameters to ensure that the part will perform to its desired levels.
NDT technicians are required to understand customer requirements, product requirements and test plan procedures. NDT technicians may develop test procedure, policies, manuals etc
LEVELS OF AN NDT TECHNICIAN
NDT technicians need to get certified at different levels depending on their academic, training, Experience and knowledge requirement providing them a exponential growth in their career.
NDT LEVEL I:
An individual having sufficient technical knowledge and skills to be qualified to properly perform specific calibrations, specific NDT, and specific evaluations for acceptance or rejection determinations according to written instructions and to record results.
The NDT Level I receives instruction and supervision from a certified NDT Level II or III individual. Hence NDT level l can only perform tests but don’t have the authority to interpret test findings and to sign/issue test reports.