What is a common non-destructive testing technique used to inspect welds?

Dye penetration testing is indeed a non-destructive testing method, but in the context of inspecting welds, ultrasonic testing is particularly common and widely used. Ultrasonic testing utilizes high-frequency sound waves to detect flaws in materials. This method is effective because it can identify imperfections deep within the welds that may not be visible through other testing methods.

While dye penetration testing is useful for revealing surface-breaking defects by applying a dye that seeps into cracks, it primarily targets flaws that are open to the surface rather than those submerged within the weld. It is also worth noting that X-ray inspection, which provides detailed images of the internal structure of welds and is an effective tool for identifying internal defects, is another common method but involves more specialized equipment and safety precautions. Visual inspection is often the first step in the evaluation process, yet it may not adequately assess the integrity of welds compared to ultrasonic testing, which provides more comprehensive and reliable data regarding internal imperfections.

In summary, while dye penetration testing can be utilized in some scenarios, ultrasonic testing is more typically associated with the inspection of welds due to its ability to detect subsurface defects effectively.