NDT as a Career

NDT became a regular practice in manufacturing around the 1940’s and still rapidly growing field as compared to other technologies. Day by day more and more research is being done by researchers in different NDT methods to make NDT test methods more and more reliable so that it can full fill its purpose to the utmost.

In the current industry, not many people are aware of NDT, not even basics even though it plays an important role in manufacturing critical components, jobs, products in a wide range of industries automobile, aircraft, aerospace, pressure vessels, piping, Valve Manufacturing, Petroleum and many more.

Hence there is a need to make spread among the people in the manufacturing industry.

Moreover, NDT is a great field for Learning and growing in today’s rapidly growing industry and Cutthroat competition in the market it becomes an important skill to acquire.

In the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People:  one important habit is Sharpen the saw. In the Engineering world, NDT is crucial tools hence it must be sharpened in order to be a mile ahead of the crowd.

In this article we will talk about NDT as Career :

NDT technician roles and responsibilities:

NDT technicians utilize a variety of technologies to inspect products and materials for internal and external flaws.

This is a highly technical role requiring familiarity with one or more methods of nondestructive testing and a good eye for detail, data interpretation, and imaging analysis. Most NDT technicians achieve levels of certification, and some technical schools offer associate’s degrees in nondestructive testing technology

NDT Technician Duties and Responsibilities

The NDT technician’s roles and responsibilities  can vary depending on their field and the type of testing technology they utilize, but most share several core responsibilities:

Calibrate and Maintain Equipment

For results to be reliable it is necessary that test equipment is calibrated and in good working condition. Moreover, NDT test methods use standard reference materials for calibration of test equipment.

NDT technicians ensure the accuracy of test results and prevent damage to materials by properly calibrating and maintaining their equipment, by examining the equipment prior to conducting the tests.

Conducting Test of items

The primary responsibility of an NDT technician is conducting material tests using a variety of nondestructive methodologies and technologies.

 Their main goal is to identify material flaws, such as incomplete welds, corrosion, gaps, cavities or foreign material inclusions, etc in cast forged or fabricated products that may affect performance or cause safety issues.

Interpretation of  Test Results

After conducting tests and throughout the manufacturing process, NDT technicians interpret and analyze test results to assess materials.

This can include evaluation of the radiographs obtained from RT test, indications made visible after performing liquid penetrant or magnetic particle testing, echo’s obtained during Ultrasonic testing, etc with respect to the applicable code or standard.

Preparation of  Test Reports

One the evaluation and interpretation of test finding has completed these findings NDT technicians develop, update, and issue documentation related to the tests they have performed.

These reports generally outline the procedures used, testing parameters and results of the tests, and any recommendations for manufacturing professionals or engineers. These reports are permanent records stored for future reference.

Developing Processes and Procedures

NDT technicians need to understand the customer requirements, product service requirements and make test procedures capable enough to examine required parameters to ensure that the part will perform to it’s desired levels.

In this aspect of the role, the NDT technician may develop policy and procedure manuals, conduct training activities, or demonstrate proper techniques for using machinery and maintaining test data.

Levels of an NDT technician :

NDT technicians get certified at different levels depending on their Basic academics, acquired training, Experience and knowledge providing them a continuous growth in their career.

NDT LEVEL I:

An individual having sufficient technical knowledge and skills to be qualified to properly perform specific calibrations, specific NDT, and specific evaluations for acceptance or rejection determinations according to written instructions and to record results.

 The NDT Level I receives the necessary instruction and supervision from a certified NDT Level II or III individual. NDT level l can only perform tests but don’t have the authority to interpret test findings and to sign/issue test reports

NDT LEVEL II:

An individual with sufficient technical knowledge and skills to be qualified to set up and calibrate equipment and to interpret and evaluate results with respect to applicable codes, standards, and specifications.

The NDT Level II should be thoroughly familiar with the scope and limitations of the methods for which qualified and should exercise assigned responsibility for on-the-job training and guidance of trainees and NDT Level I personnel. The NDT Level II is authorized to interpret test findings and sign/issue test reports.

NDT LEVEL III

An individual with sufficient technical knowledge and skills to be capable of developing, qualifying, and approving procedures, establishing and approving techniques, interpreting codes, standards, specifications, and procedures; and designating the particular NDT methods, techniques, and procedures to be used.

The NDT Level III is responsible for the NDT operations for which qualified and assigned and should be capable of interpreting and evaluating results in terms of existing codes, standards, and specifications.

NDT Level III is authorized to train and certify  NDT Level I, II, and III Personnel only in methods he/she is certified as NDT Level III and approve the test procedures.

To know more  about know how to get certified NDT Technician Read our Article: https://worldofndt.com/beginners-guide-to-ndt/

Need for NDT technicians:

NDT tests are an integral part of manufacturing hence  NDT Technicians are always in the Demand Since it is made mandatory in the CODE itself that personnel performing NDT test, Person witnessing and person Inspecting the NDT test all must be a Certified personal.

Job Roles for an NDT Technician

Freelance NDT Technician or an NDT service provider: Most of the time it is not possible for the manufacturers to train and maintain persons and types of equipment of NDT as it becomes an extra burden on them. Hence They subcontract the NDT activities to Freelance NDT Technicians or NDT Service providers.

NDT Engineer in QA/QC Departments:

Trained and Experienced NDT technicians are often higher by Organizations as NDT engineers so they can get required suggestions regarding the NDT test of products, review, and verification of the NDT tests carried out by NDT subcontractors. Moreover in some articles of CODE Manufacturer are made responsible for the review, interpretation, evaluation, and accept the test results to assure compliance with the requirements of the referencing Code Section.

For Example T-285 in article 2, BPVC Sec-V

Third-Party Inspectors:

Third-Party Inspection (TPI) is the inspection and testing activities by the third party that is conducted with the purpose of certifying the compliance of purchased products or services to the international standard, code and customer technical specifications during and after manufacturing.

 The Third Party Inspection people or company provides technical control, testing, and inspection, assessment and approval services who must not be involved in the design, procurement, fabrication, construction, and installation.

A highly skilled, knowledgeable and Experienced NDT technician can become a Third-party Inspector. But only NDT knowledge is not enough to be a Third-party Inspector. One needs to have Sound soft skills, In-depth knowledge of the manufacturing codes, Documentation and Experienced in NDT Test methods.

Salary of NDT Technician:

NDT Technicians are skilled and certified hence they get a starting salary scale higher than any other Professional. Moreover, since it is a Skill in demand one can become independent easily after having good industry experience of NDT Test methods.

Scope of NDT Technicians:

NDT can be the first step towards getting employed and can build a successful career.

NDT Level II/III can upgrade their personnel certifications later by getting certified as a Welding Inspector and can add more other certifications at later stages.

Conclusion :

From the Above Discussions, it is clear that Career as an NDT technician has Endless opportunities. Hence “Choose wisely”

We have realized this and hence spreading this knowledge with everyone through different social media platforms.

All the Best. Keep Learning

References:

• https://www.payscae.com/research/IN/Certification=Non_Destructive_Testing_(NDT)_Certification/Salary

• www.salary.com