At OnestopNDT, we believe in bringing authentic voices from the field of Non-Destructive Testing to our community. Today, we’re thrilled to host Mr. Sabri Baba, an accomplished NDT expert and Advanced NDT Manager at Evident (formerly Olympus). With over a decade of experience across critical industries like Oil & Gas, Aviation, and Energy, Mr. Baba's journey is a testament to the transformative role of NDT in ensuring safety and quality.
In this exclusive interview, Mr. Baba shares insights into his impressive career, the evolving landscape of NDT technologies, and the challenges that drive innovation in the industry. Whether you're an NDT professional or simply curious about this dynamic field, his story promises to inspire and enlighten you.
Let’s dive in and learn more about his expertise, thoughts on the future of NDT, and what keeps him grounded outside of the fast-paced industrial world.
Hello Mr. Sabri Baba. Welcome to OnestopNDT. Could you please start by briefly introducing yourself to our wonderful readers?
First, thanks for the opportunity. I appreciate the chance to engage with the OnestopNDT community. I am a seasoned engineer and NDT expert located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I was raised in the northern region of Türkiye. I hold a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Management (specialized on Management) from Hult Business School, in addition to two bachelor’s degrees in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering and Welding Engineering.
…how did you decide to enter the NDT field? Or was it always the dream?
In 2012, I received my first NDT certificate (UT-Level 2) from Sectorcert. During that period, I was employed in the casting industry, and it was a fantastic chance to inspect end products to ensure they met quality standards. Collaborating with design, production, quality assurance, and NDT teams offered a comprehensive experience for any young Metallurgy Engineer. I was struck by the beneficial influence of NDT on quality and production. In 2013, I obtained RT, MT, and PT Level 2 certifications from the Turkish Standardization Institute, and ultimately, in 2016, I obtained my UT Level 3 certification from Sectorcert.
…can you share your journey into Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and how your dual degrees in Metallurgical & Materials Engineering and Welding Engineering have contributed to your expertise?
There are two primary foundations of material classification: metallic and non-metallic. The most prevalent techniques for metal fabrication are casting, forging, and welding. Possessing a dual degree in materials science and welding has greatly enhanced my comprehension of materials, manufacturing processes, and their unique failure mechanisms. We should remember that a key component of Level 3 exams is material science. Having a deep understanding of materials science is always a significant benefit for NDT professionals.
…with over 12 years of experience across various industries like Oil & Gas, Aviation, Energy, and Manufacturing, what has been your most challenging NDT project, and how did you overcome it?
Even though welding and corrosion tasks can be tough, you consistently benefit from strong backing provided by standards, codes, regulations, guidelines, and earlier case studies from accessible sources. Nonetheless, initiatives within the aerospace sector are consistently distinct. Requirements are tailored to the project and specified by the OEM according to the standards of material performance. Retrieving benchmarks from comparable projects is almost unfeasible. Only your previous experiences and fundamental knowledge can aid you. I can assert with confidence that aerospace projects present the greatest challenges.
…as an Ultrasonic Level III certified expert, how do you see advancements in ultrasonic testing evolving in the future?
It's promising. Since the initial commercial portable ultrasound device, there have not been significant alterations in A-Scan, and the modifications have primarily focused on the hardware and software components. Nonetheless, take into account the advancements in sophisticated NDT like TFM, PCI, and PWI and their influence on ultrasound usage. Alterations in ultrasonic testing during the past five years might surpass all modifications made since its initial application in the industry. We will increasingly witness advancements in materials created for industries that stretch the boundaries, which will consistently test the capabilities of NDT methods, such as ultrasound testing.
…given your extensive industry experience, what are the biggest challenges faced in NDT today, and how is the industry working to address them?
I firmly believe that keeping updated about the newest technologies and effectively applying them in your projects is essential. The field of materials science and advanced ndt methods is advancing quickly. Codes and regulations currently in use are being updated due to this. NDT professionals need to keep up with these continuous changes, comprehend them, and incorporate them into their routine tasks. Taking into account the advancements in equipment, methods, and regulations, it appears to be a challenging endeavour. The individual who handles this well will be a pivotal influence.
…what role do you think NDT plays in ensuring safety and reliability in critical industries like Aviation and Oil & Gas?
NDT serves an essential function that nothing else can substitute. The aviation industry is regulated by stringent organizations like the FAA and EASA. These organizations are overseeing the NDT operations of airlines to guarantee airworthiness. Additionally, OEM producers require the application of specified NDT methods with certain timeframes and circumstances. Aviation is subject to strict regulations concerning the application of NDT. The Oil and Gas industry utilizes NDT to ensure safety and reliability, following distinct codes like API, ASME, and their associated sections. The importance of NDT in maintaining safety and reliability for these sectors is growing every day. NDT is likewise being utilized to assess the remaining lifespan of aging assets in the Oil and Gas sector.
…how has your role as Advanced NDT Manager at Evident (formerly known as Olympus) enabled you to impact the global NDT market?
Evident (previously Olympus) holds enhanced market access across multiple sectors, bolstered by confidence in their solutions. Our capacity to access various sectors enables us to deliver our validated solutions. We possess outstanding resources, including books, case studies, and application notes created by our global experts. Furthermore, we regularly refresh our technologies. Bringing all of these together allows us to influence the market on both local and global levels.
…what’s a hobby or interest outside of work that keeps you grounded amidst the fast-paced world of industrial technology?
I have been playing an electric guitar for nearly 25 years. I participated in a band that was well-known locally and played two times each week. It was a wonderful experience. I began learning piano three years back. Music is my passion and is in some way linked to ultrasound. I am additionally gathering diecast models, particularly aeroplanes. I possess a collection comprising over 200 items.
…how do you stay updated with the latest industry trends and technological advancements?
I feel fortunate to be part of an amazing environment with Evident. The individuals around me constantly pursue the newest trends and technologies or are creating solutions for them. It is simpler for me since my main responsibility is to grasp the newest trends and utilize for solutions within this thriving environment. Certainly, it remains a challenging undertaking, and you should consistently review documents, code, and apply them across different applications. I am enthusiastic about learning and experimenting with it. I highly recommend that people engage with NDT organizations and participate in their events, including seminars and workshops. These are the occasions where you can discover the newest trends straight from the origin.
…what advice would you give to aspiring NDT professionals looking to advance in their careers?
I want to begin with the quote by André De Shields: "The top of one mountain is the bottom of the next, so keep climbing." I had the opportunity to collaborate with outstanding professionals from different fields, and I noticed that the key distinction between those who make the most significant impact and others is their unwavering commitment to learning. I recommend always pursuing knowledge and recognizing that you have not finished the journey of NDT. This is an expedition that lacks a conclusion. Don't fear failure, and consistently seek assistance from those around you. Keep trying until you achieve the results you are happy with.
…finally, what are your thoughts on OnestopNDT? Do you think our efforts to provide real, authentic and accurate content are helping the industry? Also, do you think our platform helps the community connect with like-minded people?
I am thoroughly tracking OnestopNDT on LinkedIn and viewing it directly on its website. It is an excellent platform that unites specialists from different sectors and promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing among them. I notice that specialists are keen to join this platform, and it is also drawing others to get involved. I firmly believe that organizations such as OnestopNDT are making a positive contribution to the NDT market and its growth directly.
