Interested in becoming a Non-Destructive Testing technician? With the increase in employment opportunities for consumer products, aircraft, transportation, and many energy-based providers, NDT technicians are in demand. Many different industries have NDT technicians assess and report on machinery and materials. These industries include aviation, defense, construction, energy and automotive. By earning your Non-Destructive Testing Technician diploma, you open the door to more competitive advantages upon graduation and throughout your career.
If you have an interest in technology, how things work, and helping employees work in a safe environment, working in NDT may be a good fit. A career as an NDT technician starts with an interest in technology and continues with attending a vocational school’s NDT technician program.
Vocational School Curriculum
As a student in the NDT technician program, you will learn how to conduct material testing to identify flaws including incomplete welds and corrosion that may cause safety issues. You will learn how to interpret and analyze these tests in an effort to assess the quality and safety of materials. You will translate raw numeric data into actionable information to reject materials due to safety concerns. This actionable information is turned into reports that outline safety procedure and make recommendations to improve manufacture safety. These reports help manufacturers identify imperfections and create procedure to ensure the safety of subsequent iterations.
NDT technicians will use reports to better calibrate and maintain equipment used in the NDT process. These reports will also add the NDT technician to work with the manufacturer in creating a safer process to reduce imperfections in materials.
Conducting Material Testing
NDT technicians use many different techniques to test materials including visual inspection, liquid dye penetration testing, eddy current testing, magnetic particle testing, ultrasonic testing, and radiographic testing. These techniques allow NDT technicians to control the quality of materials used.
Visual Examination – NDT technicians can use many different tools to inspect technology including lenses and fiber optic devices.
Liquid Dye Penetration Testing – using fluorescent liquids, NDT technicians will stain surfaces to expose imperfections under ultraviolet light.
Eddy Current Testing – an NDT technician will pass an electric current through conductive materials, monitoring the flow of current for any inconsistencies.
Magnetic Particle Testing – to see cracks and defects, NDT technicians use magnetic particles applied to magnetized ferrous materials.
Ultrasonic Testing – using high frequency sound pulses helps NDT technicians by reflecting signals from materials to identify imperfections and defects.
Radiographic Testing – the use of X-rays helps NDT technicians to see imperfections inside materials.
Interpreting & Preparing Test Reports for Material Testing
The NDT technician is tasked with interpreting test results and preparing reports for material testing. They will analyze test results to assess the materials and machinery used. This will ensure that all materials are safe and identify whether materials and machinery are ready for use or if additional testing is needed. Among the most important functions of the position is to determine the safety of the materials or whether they should be rejected completely.
Calibrating and Maintaining Equipment
NDT technicians calibrate equipment to offer accurate tests. By properly calibrating and maintaining equipment, the NDT technician knows that they are getting an accurate test and know how to improve the safety of materials.
Developing Processes for Safety
An NDT technician may create procedure guides, conduct training and demonstrate proper techniques for testing machinery and materials. Through these procedures, NDT technicians can help train other NDT technicians and keep machinery and materials safe for use in manufacturing and repair.
A career as an NDT technician can be rewarding and fulfilling. While learning new testing techniques and auditing new materials, you will be providing a safe environment for fellow employees and creating materials that are safe for professional and consumer use. Knowing that you are saving lives is a good feeling and a great reason to become an NDT technician.
Ready to learn more about becoming an NDT technician? The Non-Destructive Testing Technician diploma programs from MIAT College of Technology provide the hands-on training, practical experience, and industry support it takes to pursue a rewarding technical career. Non-Destructive Testing Technician (NDT) Diploma classes are interactive and led by dedicated school instructors with years of experience working in a professional setting. You’ll get one-on-one attention and personal support to pick up new skills and first-hand technical knowledge quickly so you can feel confident entering the workforce.
To learn more about NDT Technician Program and to explore if MIAT is right for you, fill out the form on this page. Contact us if you are interested in becoming an NDT technician today.