Non-destructive testing machines and methodologies have transformed over the years into critical tools and processes used in production. With several different testing methodologies available, NDT technicians, inspectors and auditors must go after the training necessary to work with non-destructive testing equipment.

Fortunately, there’s numerous certification, education and training programs that focus on non-destructive testing equipment education and training to meet the growing demand for nondestructive testing and evaluation. Keep the following resources in mind when looking for training and educational opportunities:

1. Consultant or training companies that have educational programs for those working with various NDT methods and NDT equipment.

2. Trade associations offering training for those working with non-destructive testing machines and non-destructive testing supplies.

3. Trade shows/conferences showcasing the newest NDT testing equipment and technologies.

4. Schools for individuals working with NDT equipment.

5. NDT equipment providers that offer training.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Grow more proficient on NDT equipment using consulting, training and examination services

Look for consulting and training companies that follow certification guidelines for SNT-TC-1A, ASNT CP-189, ACCP and NAS 410, among others. Expect most training to occur in a classroom or onsite, so students can work with non-destructive test equipment.

I recommend: Hellier provides all types of NDT training or certification services. Its courses satisfy training hours required for certification in accordance with SNT-TC-1A, ANSI/ASNT CP-189 and NAS 410. Plumstead Quality and Training Services offers training in different methods to comply with requirements from SNT-TC-1A, CP-189 and NAS 410. TEST NDT conducts training courses that satisfy SNT-TC-1A and NAS 410 training requirements.

Find trade association training and education for those working with NDT equipment

Through relevant professional trade organizations, those who work for NDT equipment companies or companies that perform nondestructive testing can benefit from reputable training seminars and programs.

I recommend: The American Society for Nondestructive Testing provides education, training and certification resources for those working with non-destructive testing materials and NDT supplies. Its certification programs include ACCP Level II, Level III certification, Industrial Radiography and Radiation Safety Personnel program and refresher courses. If you employ NDT technicians and inspectors who work directly with NDT test equipment, you'll appreciate the training seminars offered by the NonDestructive Testing Management Association.

Sign up for tradeshows that feature non-destructive testing equipment companies

Learn more about the latest technologies, equipment and supplies from non-destructive testing equipment providers and manufacturers by visiting trades shows, symposiums, conferences and other venues.

I recommend: Register to attend the ATA Non-Destructive Testing Forum and the ASNT Annual Research Symposium & Spring Conference.

Enhance your NDT equipment training with a formal education

As another option for training, look at schools, colleges and even universities that offer courses or programs in testing methods and other aspects of nondestructive testing. Look into programs geared to individuals that work with ndt test equipment and non destructive testing machines either from a repair or testing specialty.

I recommend: The Welder Training & Testing Institute offers training in visual testing, liquid penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing and ultrasonic testing for NDT Inspector training. In addition to classroom and onsite training programs, the NDT Training & Placement Center offers online, certifiable NDT training courses in eddy current, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, radiographic film interpretation and ultrasonic inspection.

Locate NDT equipment companies that offer training

Many NDT equipment providers and manufacturers offer training on different testing methodologies and the equipment used for testing.

I recommend: Visit Olympus Corporation's industrial testing instruments website. The international engineering company specializes in industrial, medical and consumer markets. In addition to classroom training sessions, it offers online tutorials on phased array and other types of NDT testing, as well as an introduction tutorial focusing on the company's technologies and product lines. R-Con NDT, a company offering NDT sales, service and consulting, offers classroom/onsite training in the five basic NDT methods structured according to SNT-TC-1A and CP-189 guidelines.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are certain prerequisites for NDT equipment certification that include passing a number of training courses, proof of a certain level of experience, hearing and eye exams in addition to other requirements defined by individual employers.

Non-destructive testing equipment is a must when you're trying to determine a problem in your equipment. When your stomach hurts, you don't automatically get a doctor to perform major surgery to figure out the problem. The same logic goes for detecting problems inside complex setups of tubing, pipes, wires and other machine parts. Non-destructive testing equipment enables you to do just what the name suggests: ensure equipment is working properly or detect problems before they become serious without damaging or destroying the parts in question.

Ironically, NDT testing equipment for industrial needs comes in forms similar to the types of equipment used to examine the human body, such as ultrasound and x-ray machines. In addition, non-destructive testing machines also come in the form of component testers that determine important attributes such as depth, crack detection, surface hardness and more. You can use non-destructive test equipment to:

1. Detect defects on or below the equipment or piping surface.
2. Look for vacuum, pressure or liquid leaks.
3. Determine electrical distribution in equipment by detecting heat.
4. Detect variations in metal.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use non-destructive test equipment to evaluate safety

NDT testing equipment can help you evaluate the structural soundness and safety of aerial booms, support platforms and other equipment used by people to perform work. In addition, it can provide vital safety information for airplanes and other transportation.

I recommend: Certified Inspection Services Ltd. offers non-destructive testing equipment and will perform the testing themselves on fork lifts, man lifts and other equipment. Olympus offers NDT testing solutions for airplane landing gear, car fuel tanks and more.

Use non-destructive testing equipment to evaluate high-temperature equipment and materials

When working with pressurized equipment or with tanks that hold extremely hot materials, use non-destructive testing machines that are able to evaluate this equipment despite the highly volatile contents.

I recommend: Non-destructive testing equipment companies such as Team Industrial Services offer high-pressure testing solutions. Namicon offers probes, transducers and other non-destructive testing supplies for high-pressure materials.

Apply NDT test equipment to electrical distribution

NDT equipment can be used to ensure electricity is conducting properly through a machine or other piece of equipment. Investment in this type of NDT equipment can help prevent small problems from turning into large ones.

I recommend: Centurion offers an online NDT equipment list for electrical applications, while Tri State Nondestructive Testing Inc. offers Eddy Current NDT equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're not sure how to read the results rendered from various types of non-destructive testing equipment, find an expert that can. Reading NDT testing results with an untrained eye can be catastrophic.