Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection

Penetrant Inspection is used to detect surface and sub-surface defects in non-ferrous materials (aluminum, titanium and steels).

In order to get an accurate inspection, parts must be vapor degreased and then etched in an acid solution which removes .1-.5 mils from the surface of the part depending on the material, spec, and PO call outs. This step creates a porous surface which the fluorescent dye will be able to penetrate.

The parts are then submerged into fluorescent dye and allowed to dwell in a climate controlled environment.

The fluorescent dye is rinsed off and the parts are either baked or immediately developed, depending on the specification.

The parts are inspected under ultra violet light for any cracks, tears, machining laps, corrosion or other indication deemed unacceptable by the specification. 

If parts are deemed unacceptable by the inspector, 3P customer service is notified to alert the customer.

After processing, parts are cleaned by method of hot water rinse and moved to the next operation.

Typically, from Penetrant Inspection, the parts move to Passivation, Shot Peen, Aluminum Processing, Titanium Processing or Final Inspection