X-ray Inspection

Uncovering Subsurface Defects

Industrial X-ray Inspection of solid materials and products, also called Industrial Radiography or Radiographic Testing (RT), is a very effective method of uncovering subsurface defects.

Laboratory Testing Inc. in the Philadelphia, PA (USA) area offers two types of industrial radiography to meet industry standards and specifications, as well as customer preferences. The Lab is fully equipped to perform Computed Radiography (CR) or Digital Radiography and Conventional Radiography (XR) using film and evaluate the x-rays.

X-Ray Inspection to Meet Requirements

X-ray inspection can reveal hidden voids and defects in a variety of solid materials, including metal, plastic, composites, silicone and rubber. Radiography is a nondestructive testing (NDT) method and will not harm the test piece. The processes and imaging equipment used to perform both conventional and computed radiography are similar, yet their output differs and each has advantages.

With computed or digital radiography, inspectors have the ability to adjust contrast and zoom into areas of greater interest. The digital images can be saved to a disc, emailed to customers and easily archived.

Conventional radiography utilizes extremely fine grain film which is able to produce a high-contrast image. Film is developed on site and viewed using our special equipment.

Qualifications and Capabilities

LTI has a long history of providing high-accuracy x-ray inspection services to customers in many lines of business. We perform industrial radiography to ASTM, MIL and other standards. The digital and film images are evaluated by certified NDT Level 2 and Level 3 technicians according to the required test specifications.

Equipment for All Size Samples

The radiographic testing department has equipment to handle extremely large to very small test pieces. Much of the NDT X-ray Inspection performed at Laboratory Testing takes place in our 21 ft. x 15 ft. 320 kV radiography vault. It can accommodate 20 ft. long welded pipe and has imaging equipment that can penetrate solid materials of varying thicknesses, including up to three-inch steel. The vault dimensions, along with our high-capacity forklifts and 3-ton crane, allow for the examination of large products and materials.

Our capabilities also include 225 kV and 320 kV cabinet units for X-ray inspection of smaller products, including tiny electronic assemblies.

Test Methods/Specifications

• ASME
• ASTM E94
• ASTM E1030
• ASTM E1742
• MIL-STD-271
• MIL-STD-453
• NAV-C
• PED

Industrial Radiography Applications

The need for industrial radiography can occur during product R&D, as part of the manufacturing, fabrication or installation processes or when a product is in service. Digital radiography and conventional radiography both provide information to determine the soundness of a material or product and are valuable inspection method for a variety of purposes:

• Detect internal discontinuities such as shrinkage, cracking and porosity
• Verify the integrity of internal components
• Determine the quality of welds
• Identify the extent of corrosion
• Uncover the source in fire investigations

The X-ray Inspection Process

The X-ray inspection process used to examine industrial products is very similar to the more familiar radiography used in the medical industry. Industrial radiography uses X-rays to penetrate test items made of solid materials (e.g. tubing, castings, weld plates, plastic injection molding, circuit boards, batteries) so hidden defects, inconsistencies or features can be revealed. An image of the inspected location is produced on film or as a digital image for evaluation by certified NDT inspectors and to create a permanent record of the internal condition of the test piece.

LTI Radiography Capabilities

• Processes – computed radiography (digital radiography) and conventional radiography (film radiography)
• Products Tested – solid materials
• Size Limitations – very small (e.g. electronics) to large (e.g. tubing, weld plates)
• Output – digital images, film
• Material Thickness – X-ray equipment can penetrate varying thicknesses

News & Articles

“X-ray Inspection Let’s You Know What’s Inside”
“Inspecting Plastics and Electronics with Conventional X-ray”