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Non-destructive testing (NDT) of materials at Kistler, Stuttgart

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is offered at Kistler, Stuttgart: digital radiographic testing (DR) and fluorescent dye penetrant testing (PT)

In vehicle testing, the primary factors that determine reliability and safety are the loading capacity and quality of materials used in vehicle parts. Invisible damage to materials harbors risks and can lead to accidents. Non-destructive testing of materials (NDT) provides important information on the most minute instances of damage, thus helping to improve vehicle safety and make trials more efficient.

To ensure that your components are free of concealed material damage, we recommend regular inspections by our service team.

Detect faults quickly with non-destructive testing (NDT) digital radiographic testing and fluorescent dye penetrant testing (PT)

To identify weak points such as minute cracks or pores in the volume or on the surface of materials, we use two different non-destructive procedures:

  • Digital radiographic testing – also known as digital radiography (DR) – as per DIN EN 13068-3
  • Fluorescent dye penetrant testing (PT) as per DIN EN ISO 3452-1

Your key benefits from non-destructive testing (NDT) of materials by Kistler, Stuttgart:

  • In-depth testing of your parts by experts certified to DIN EN ISO 9712
  • Standard-compliant test report: contains documentation including detailed evaluation of all findings, based on high-resolution digital radiographs (dye penetrant testing is also documented with images)
  • Exceptionally short lead times: we will test your parts within a few working days of receiving the items

Which parts can we test for you?

As a matter of course, we test parts from all manufacturers.

  • Non-rotating single components,
    such as: cylinder heads, gear casings, crossmembers (subframes), exhaust manifolds, battery mounts/trays, transmission bell housings and similar components
  • Rotating components such as rims, or our RoaDyn wheel force transducers

Digital radiographic testing

Digital radiographic testing involves two-dimensional imaging of the test object to map its density.

Digital radiographic testing involves two-dimensional imaging of the test object to map its density. We use digital detectors instead of films. The x-ray images can be sent directly to you, with high resolution. This allows you to interpret the results more quickly, so you need less time to process your orders.

Our equipment allows radiography of parts with wall thicknesses of up to 18 cm, depending on the type of material.

Benefits

  • Testing using the new GE X|Cube 225 kV
  • High-resolution radiographs displayed as tif files
  • Testing of metallic and non-metallic materials

Fluorescent dye penetrant testing

In dye penetrant testing, a special fluid is applied to the material's surface; thanks to its good ability to penetrate voids, it seeps into any cracks that are present.

In dye penetrant testing, a special fluid is applied to the material's surface; thanks to its good ability to penetrate voids, it seeps into any cracks that are present. After the fluid is extracted, the cracks or porous points are made visible by applying a color-contrast developer.

Benefits

  • Fluorescent dye penetrant testing with new Karl Deutsch (KD) station
  • Detection of cracks down to the size of one micrometer
  • Allows for testing of all metallic materials