Liquid Penetrant Testing is a nondestructive testing (NDT) method, which enables the visualization of surface cracks if the defect is open to the surface. Inhomogenities in the volume cannot be detected.
Mainly metals, but also plastics and ceramics can be inspected with liquid penetrant testing. It is recommended to execute a tolerance check on plastics before beginning the inspection.
The method is very sensitive. Cracks or pores with typical widths between 0.5 μm and 10 μm and depths between 20 μm and 200 μm can be detected by means of the liquid penetrant testing method.
