Visual testing VT

The fundamental quality-control method — assessment with the unaided eye or through advanced remote (borescope) techniques. Used as the first step in product inspection.

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Visual testing is the fundamental NDT method and the first one applied in product quality control. It detects discontinuities and imperfections visible on the surface of the tested component, lowering both inspection and production costs. The method allows general and local examination of the product alike — without damaging the material.

Visual testing VT equipment — an inspection endoscope used on pipelines and hard-to-reach places

Our equipment at work

Visual testing — the first line of quality control

X-TEST performs visual testing as the first stage of every product quality-control process. We have equipment for the direct technique (magnifiers, inspection mirrors) as well as for the advanced remote technique — borescopes with 2 and 3 metre probes and an 8 mm diameter head.

Visual testing detects surface defects in welded joints, castings and forgings; combined with the borescope technique it also covers places an inspector cannot reach, such as pipeline interiors and confined spaces.

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VT techniques we offer

We use both the direct technique and advanced remote inspection with a borescope.

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What is visual testing?

Visual testing (VT) is a non-destructive method in which a qualified inspector assesses the condition of a product's surface. It detects surface discontinuities in welded joints, castings, forgings and steel structures without damaging the material.

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How it works

The inspector examines the surface with the unaided eye, through a magnifier or using inspection mirrors (the direct technique). In hard-to-reach places, flexible borescopes with 2–3 m probes and an 8 mm diameter head are used (the remote technique), transmitting the image in real time.

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Advantages of the method

  • Non-invasive — the product under test is not damaged
  • Fast, economical first-stage inspection
  • Covers welded joints, castings and forgings
  • The remote technique (borescope) reaches inaccessible places
  • Lower quality-control and production costs

Visual testing techniques we use

Direct technique

Naked eye, magnifiers, mirrors

Direct visual testing means assessing the surface of the tested object directly by eye, with the option of using simple aids such as a magnifier or an inspection mirror.

Tools used:

  • Naked-eye examination — in line with standard requirements
  • Magnifiers for assessing surface detail
  • Inspection mirrors for hard-to-reach areas
  • Working light of the required luminance

VT inspection scope:

  • Visual testing of welded joints to PN-EN ISO 17637:2017-02*
  • Assessment of the weld surface and the adjacent area
  • Assessment of welded joint dimensions and geometry
  • Detection of visible surface imperfections, including cracks, undercuts, pores, incompletely filled grooves and excessive reinforcement
  • Direct and indirect testing using optical equipment

Testing is carried out in accordance with applicable standards, client specifications and the approved test procedures of the X-TEST Laboratory.

Remote technique (borescope)

Borescopes — 2 and 3 m probes, Ø 8 mm

The remote technique allows inspection of places entirely out of an inspector's reach — pipeline interiors, confined spaces and inaccessible parts of structures. A flexible borescope with a camera transmits the image in real time.

Equipment specifications:

  • Borescope probes 2 and 3 metres long
  • Borescope head 8 mm in diameter
  • Real-time image transmission
  • Video and still image recording

Scope of testing:

  • Pipeline interiors and confined spaces
  • Places inaccessible to direct inspection
  • Condition assessment of internal surfaces
  • Inspection of channels, chambers and internal surfaces of castings

Equipment and accessories

We have a complete set of tools for direct and remote visual inspection.

Direct technique

  • Magnifiers of various magnifications
  • Inspection mirrors — straight and angled
  • Working light of the required luminance
  • Comparison standards for assessing casting surface quality, including BNIF and SCRATA, and measuring equipment for assessing weld geometry

Remote technique (borescope)

  • Flexible borescopes with 2 and 3 m probes
  • Inspection head Ø 8 mm
  • Live image assessment with recording capability
  • LED lighting integrated with the probe
  • Software for documenting and archiving results
  • PN-EN 13018:2016-04 — general principles of visual testing*
  • PN-EN 1370:2012 — surface roughness assessment
  • PN-EN ISO 17637:2017-02 — visual testing of welded joints*
  • PN-EN ISO 5817:2023-08 — quality levels of joints (steel, nickel, titanium)
  • PN-EN ISO 10042:2018-09 — quality levels of arc-welded joints (aluminium)
  • Custom procedures per client requirements

* Standards within the scope of our accreditation (PCA certificate no. AB 1927).

Applications

  • Welded joints
  • Castings and forgings
  • Metal structures and components
  • Pipelines, tanks and installations
  • Channels, chambers and hard-to-reach areas

Need visual testing?

Write to us — we will prepare a quote tailored to the scope of testing you need.

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