The Value of Visual Inspections

Visual Inspection (VT) is the oldest and one of the most reliable non-destructive testing methods out there. It can be applied to nearly any product and is extremely useful when monitoring the maintenance and condition of an asset. Visual testing is a basic form of inspection, which involves the examination of an area, piece of equipment, or component with the naked eye. Sometimes tools such as mirrors, borescopes, magnifiers, and lights are used to help inspect and identify any anomalies. Though it may seem old fashioned, visual inspection is effective across many industries, especially the welding industry.

Cost

Visual inspection does not involve the use of high powered technology, which reduces the cost of testing. VT is relatively low cost when compared to other non-destructive testing methods. Visual inspection involves the use of an experienced and educated professional that has been trained to examine and point out imperfections with the area being inspected. The cost to perform visual inspections is relatively low compared to other NDT testing methods. In addition to the cost benefit of visual inspection, VT is also highly effective at determining the strengths and weaknesses of fabrications, material, and components.

Effectiveness

Visual inspection is a reliable and trusted non-destructive testing method. It’s been around for decades and has allowed progress to be made across many industries. Over the years, VT has been found to be highly effective at about 87% effectiveness (Juran’s Quality Handbook). Of course, this is heavily dependent on the training, education, and experience of the NDT team performing the testing services. To increase effectiveness, the use of small tools and technology such as illuminators, cameras, magnifiers, and more may be utilized during inspections.

Education

The key to obtaining a high quality, accurate visual inspection report is to do your research. A company providing NDT testing services should be well trained and educated. A non-destructive testing company should be continuously training and educating staff to stay up to date and current with visual inspection and other NDT methods. To find a company that meets these standards, ask the important questions, check out their website, look at the reviews, and thoroughly research. A company that is dedicated to education is likely also experienced within the NDT industry.

Experience

Experience comes with time, exposure, and commitment. Since visual inspection relies almost completely on the naked eye, the naked eye must be experienced to properly inspect and effectively identify anything wrong with the asset. This experience is only obtained through time, on the job training, and exposure.

There are many advantages to visual inspection. Visual inspection is one the most trusted way to find any flaws of an asset. VT is used very often because it’s fairly low cost and relatively simple to perform. Though, it’s critical the individuals performing the visual inspection testing are well trained, educated, and experienced with visual inspection. If not, a flaw could be missed during the inspection and cause issues later on. VT searches for quality, strength, and confidence of the material or component being inspected. In the welding and fabricating industry, visual inspection is the most common testing and inspection method used to determine the condition of a weld.

Steel City NDT proudly offers visual inspection testing, and specializes in Remote Visual Inspection (RVI) and Infrared Thermography (IRT). Steel City NDT also offers a training program for visual inspection. Steel City NDT is focused on delivering high quality inspections in a timely fashion. If you’re searching for a company that is dedicated to customer satisfaction and quality control, call Steel City NDT to learn more about their various services.