Table of Content
- Non-destructive Testing
- Build a Career in Non-destructive Testing
- Role of NDT Technicians
- Skills Required to Build a Career in the NDT Field
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Non-destructive Testing careers are amazing in both ways, it's interesting, exciting as well and financially rewarding! What more do you want? Well, these things make nondestructive testing specialist careers the most desirable in today's time!
NDT gives you a reliable career and numerous growth opportunities. This involves various options for improvement and professional expansion. In this article, let's explore the NDT career path! But let's start with the basics!
What is Non-destructive Testing?
NDT can be defined as a group of analytical methods utilized for evaluating the characteristics of a component or an object without causing any harm to it. It is also known as Non-destructive Assessment, Non-destructive Examination, and Non-destructive Inspection.
Someone who wants to make a career out of it must have a clear understanding of numerous NDT Techniques available, proper knowledge of all the criteria, capabilities, and constraints, and complete features for performing the tests. Hence, NDT does have a significant role to play as it is necessary to ensure the safety, reliability, and integrity of the object. Today, non-destructive testing methods are being utilized in a wide range of industries, which you will learn about in the next part of the article!
Build a Career in Non-destructive Testing
Career opportunities in the field of NDT are abundant and are on the rise because infrastructure projects are witnessing an increase every day. NDT has a clear impact on industries such as automobile, aerospace, defense, chemical, and Oil & Gas Industries. NDT Inspectors, Technicians, and quality assurance specialists who are working with non-destructive substances play a crucial role in quality control.
If you are thinking of starting a solid career in Non-destructive Testing, then you can do it at any phase of your life, after completing your graduation or leaving an old job! Similar to other professions, your Non-destructive Testing Career is based on your certification, qualifications, experience, and skills.
The more you educate yourself about NDT, the higher you can achieve! Attaining an NDT Certificate in order to test Methods opens up new doors to several opportunities. Adequate qualification and theoretical as well as practical knowledge are extremely important in the non-destructive testing industry because minor errors can result in ruinous consequences. Operators must upgrade their skills and knowledge at regular gaps.
Note:
ASME & ASNT are renowned institutions that develop NDT Standards and Codes and also provide certification programs. In order to start a new Career in Non-destructive Testing, obtaining Level 1 and Level 2 NDT certifications will uplift your career and take you to the next level in the industry.
Level Up Your Skills: See the Most Valued NDT Certifications
What is the Role of NDT Technicians?
Technicians have to inspect the physical properties of an object to identify any type of damage such as cracks, breakages, leakage, corrosion, etc., that might result in bad product performance or failure of the product. They also have to examine the types of machinery in the plant to specify if they need any sort of repair or maintenance. An NDT Technician makes use of distinct methods to detect structural flaws as per the object and working situations.
Must Read: 5 Must-have Certifications for every NDT Technician
Responsibilities and Duties of NDT Technician
Here's a step-by-step process that is followed by every NDT Technician:
a) Examining the Substance -
With their knowledge and skills in performing NDT Methods, they test various materials by the structure or material being tested. Technicians conduct these methods on objects to find out possible imperfections.
b) Preparing Test Reports -
After the examinations are done, a Technician will have to evaluate the outcomes of the methods conducted and take note of everything that looks improper. This way it helps in assuring that the substances are all safe and the object is perfect for further usage. However, the operation might have to be stopped if any serious deformities are identified.
c) Calibrating & Maintenance of the Equipment -
Maintenance is the core element of any object to function right! Therefore, in this step, NDT Technicians must calibrate the settings based on the object being examined. In addition, after an inspection, it is essential to ensure that the NDT Equipment is all set to be used in the future.
d) Creating Process for Safety -
Developing process checklists, educating other NDT Technicians on the same, and displaying favorable inspecting methods for different materials. It is quite essential to consider the safety & security of every individual who is involved in the Non-destructive Examination.
Skills Required to Build a Career in the NDT Field
But, there are a set of skills that one needs to possess to go forward in their NDT career. Here they are:
➤ Fine Vision (Specifically Color Vision)
➤ Analytical Skills
➤ Understanding the Ability To Operate With Technology
➤ Problem-Solving Skills
➤ Good Reason Skills
➤ Critical Thinking Ability
➤ IT Skills
➤ Promising Written & Verbal Communication
➤ Awareness About Health & Safety Issues
List of Different NDT Industries where Technicians Work
Different organizations in different sectors need NDT Technicians and some of the industries that use Non-destructive Testing are mentioned below:
- Automotive
- Oil & Gas
- Defense
- Aerospace
- Mining
- Pipeline
- Power Generation
- Industrial Construction
- Manufacturing Of Heavy Equipment
- Rail Transportation
Key Takeaways
- This was all about a Non-destructive Testing career! A strong career in the NDT field is considered dynamic where training and skills play an important role.
- Good qualification and certification are essential for the non-destructive testing industry, as small mistakes or errors can have adverse impacts, as already mentioned above! Therefore, NDT Technicians will have to upgrade their skills regularly, attend training programs or courses, and take examinations.
- Is NDT Technician a Good Career? Absolutely! A career in NDT is diverse and provides you with a lot of opportunities or you can specialize in a single method to an advanced level of proficiency.
FAQs
1. What Personality Traits Do Non-Destructive Testing Specialists Have?
A: NDT Specialists need to have certain personality traits such as attention to detail, problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and good communication skills to effectively perform their duties and ensure safety and reliability in their work.
2. What is the work environment like for non-destructive testing specialists?
A: The work environment for NDT specialists can vary widely, including industrial settings, laboratories, or fieldwork, often requiring travel and adherence to strict safety protocols.
