Non-Destructive Testing
Reliable and repeatable defect detection is achieved through meticulous process control and investment in advanced Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technologies. Our expertise in radiographic, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, dye penetrant, and pressure testing ensures high-integrity cast, machined from solid and composite components that meet aerospace, defence, automotive and industrial quality standards, including AS/EN9100 and NADCAP compliance.
X-ray Digital Radiograph & CT Scanning
Our specialist NDT engineers utilise the advanced capabilities of the Seifert x|cube 320 KV scanning system to deliver high-precision validation, ensuring the structural integrity and dimensional accuracy of cast metal, machined from solid and composite components.
This technology enables both real-time 2D X-ray inspections and the production of detailed 3D models through computed tomography (CT) scanning, facilitating comprehensive defect detection and precise measurement verification.
Our high-precision CT scanning process includes:
- Defect Analysis – Identifies micro-porosity, sand inclusions, sub-surface cracks, and shrinkage porosity within cast metal components, and internal structures and defects of machined from solid and composite materials.
- Wall Thickness Measurement – Accurately verifies internal wall section thickness in accordance to engineering tolerance specifications.
- Internal Core Location – Accurately verifies core alignment in castings within complex geometries.
- Dimensional Verification – Superimposes scanned data against the 3D CAD model and client specifications for precise measurement assurance.
- Reverse Engineering – Captures high-resolution internal and external structures to be used in conjunction with GOM/Creaform CMM optical scanning to map the component’s external profile and create a 3D CAD model.
Radiographic and CT scanning serve as a critical validation tool to verify the integrity of our components, ensuring structural and dimensional accuracy. As an integral part of our EN9100-certified quality control process, this advanced NDT method guarantees high-integrity components that meet the most stringent aerospace industry standards.
Dye Penetrant Inspection
At Finecast, our specialist DPI engineers conduct Dye Penetrant Inspection (DPI) within a dedicated laboratory, ensuring precise detection of surface discontinuities, including cracks, fractures, porosity, and irregularities in both ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Our controlled DPI process guarantees component integrity by identifying even the smallest defects that could compromise performance.
Our high-precision DPI process includes:
- Surface Preparation & Penetrant Application – Ensures optimal dye absorption for maximum defect visibility.
- Excess Penetrant Removal – Prevents false indications while maintaining flaw detection accuracy.
- Developer Application – Enhances defect contrast for precise identification of surface discontinuities.
- UV & Visible Light Inspection – Utilises advanced fluorescence and contrast techniques for high-accuracy assessments.
- Controlled Testing Environment – Maintains consistent conditions for reliable and repeatable inspection results.
DPI enhances surface integrity validation by identifying fine surface discontinuities that could affect component performance. By ensuring that only defect-free surfaces progress to further processing, this method plays a key role in maintaining consistency and reliability throughout production.
Ultrasonic Testing
Our Ultrasonic Testing (UT) capabilities ensure precise evaluation of wall thickness, material uniformity, and internal flaw detection in hollow components. Using advanced Nova TG110-DL ultrasonic thickness gauges, we provide accurate, non-destructive assessments to verify structural integrity.
Our high-precision UT process includes:
- Precision Thickness Measurement – Accurately determines material thickness from 0.559 mm to 1,270.00 mm, ensuring uniformity.
- Material Uniformity Assessment – Confirms consistent material properties across load-bearing sections for predictable mechanical performance.
- Internal Defect Detection – Identifies voids, cracks, shrinkage porosity, and inclusions within cast components to verify structural integrity.
- Ultrasonic Waveform Analysis – Uses high-frequency acoustic signals to evaluate density variations and detect subsurface inconsistencies.
- Configurable Testing Sensitivity – Adjusts frequency and depth settings to accommodate different alloy compositions and geometries.
Ultrasonic testing plays a key role in ensuring material uniformity and structural integrity. By detecting internal irregularities that could impact mechanical integrity, it provides critical quality validation and supports Finecast’s commitment to delivering precision-engineered components that meet the highest industry standards.
Magnetic Particle Inspection
Our Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) process provides highly sensitive detection of surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferrous materials. Using advanced wet and dry MPI techniques, we ensure structural integrity and compliance with stringent industry standards for mission-critical applications.
Our high-precision MPI process includes:
- Magnetisation Techniques – Utilising direct and indirect magnetisation methods to reveal fine surface cracks, fatigue fractures, and weld defects.
- Fluorescent & Non-Fluorescent Inspection – Conducting both visible and UV-enhanced fluorescent inspections for enhanced defect visibility and accuracy.
- Wet & Dry Particle Application – Ensuring optimal defect detection across various surface conditions and material types.
- Demagnetisation & Post-Inspection Cleaning – Removing residual magnetism and ensuring clean, defect-free components ready for service.
- Industry-Compliant Testing & Certification – Meeting aerospace, defence, and industrial quality standards for reliable defect detection and validation.
MPI is a key method for detecting surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferrous materials, preventing defects that could compromise structural integrity. This process enhances surface-level quality validation, ensuring components are free from detectable defects before progressing through final processing.
Pressure | Leak Testing
Finecast’s pressure and leak testing capabilities validate the structural integrity and sealing performance of components using air decay and hydrostatic pressure testing. Our engineering team develops bespoke test rigs and fixturing, enabling precise validation of complex geometries, internal channels, and intricate oil galleries under controlled and repeatable test conditions.
Our high-precision pressure & leak testing process includes:
- Air Decay Testing – Uses precise pressure drop analysis to detect micro-leaks in sealed castings by monitoring pressure loss over time.
- Hydrostatic Pressure Testing – Pressurises components with liquid to simulate real-world operating conditions, verifying structural integrity and resistance to failure under extreme pressure loads.
- Differential Pressure Decay Measurement – Provides high-sensitivity leak detection, compensating for ambient conditions and test pressure fluctuations to ensure reliable results.
- Custom-Designed Testing Fixtures – Engineered to accommodate intricate geometries, internal cavities, and complex sealing surfaces, ensuring precise and repeatable testing.
- Variable Leak Rate & Pressure Threshold Validation – Configurable testing parameters allow for simulation of real-world conditions, ensuring components meet required durability and performance standards.
- Automated Data Capture & Compliance Reporting – Utilises real-time monitoring, digital archiving, and industry-standard reporting to ensure traceability, process control, and regulatory compliance.
By validating component strength and sealing performance under controlled pressure conditions, our pressure and leak testing process guarantees compliance with stringent performance requirements. This ensures that our components operate safely and reliably in the most demanding environments.
Submit an Enquiry
Contact our team to discuss your non-destructive testing requirements. We provide a comprehensive range of inspection solutions — including radiography, CT scanning, dye penetrant inspection, magnetic particle inspection, ultra sonic testing and pressure/leak testing — to verify component integrity and ensure full compliance with industry standards.