Visual inspection

Visual inspection is the primary form of NDT and is widely used to complement other NDT methods.

As the title suggests, visual inspection relies primarily on good eyesight and can be applied unaided or aided using some form of magnification or enhancement technique.

A combination of good eyesight, good lighting conditions and the experience of the inspector form the basis of the correct application of the visual inspection method.

Visual inspection is commonly used in the following areas:

  • Welding inspection and fabrication quality control
  • Weld procedure development and testing
  • In-service routine inspection of process plant and industrial equipment
  • Paint coating inspection