Visual inspection is a primary method of non-destructive testing that provides a means of detecting and examining a variety of flaws on a range of components either in-service or at various stages during manufacture.

Visual inspection is the most widely used method for detection and initial examination of surface discontinuities and their relationship to structural failure.

Visual testing is an excellent initial methodology to carry out prior to inspecting any component with a more time-intensive procedure such as magnetic particle inspection or dye penetrant testing.

All our technicians are regularly eye-tested and routinely use various magnification aids under powerful white light to discern and record flaws in materials across all industries and sectors.

Advantages:

• Method is cheaper than most testing methods
• Highly portable
• Immediate result
• Minimum special skills
• Minimum part preparation

Disadvantages

• Suitable only for surface which can be viewed
• Generally detect only larger defects
• Misinterpretation of cracks and scratches