Do you spend time taking apart equipment to see how it is made? Are you curious about how well components are designed and structured? If this sounds interesting to you, then becoming a non-destructive testing technician may be the right career path.
NDT technicians can work in the manufacturing and technology industries. Some of those industries where non-destructive testing is used include aviation, defense, construction, automotive, aerospace, and energy to name a few. NDT technicians get to test everything from glass to airplane parts. So, what does an NDT technician do?
What Does an NDT Technician Do?
A non-destructive testing (NDT) technician uses a variety of techniques to inspect materials, components, structures, and systems to look for structural flaws. These flaws include corrosion, cracks, and other flaws that may compromise the NDT equipment. An NDT technician’s job will include:
- Conducting Material Testing
- Interpreting & Preparing Test Reports for Material Testing
- Calibrating and Maintaining Equipment
- Developing Processes for Safety
Conducting Material Testing
NDT technicians learn different non-destructive techniques to test materials including visual inspection, liquid dye penetration testing, eddy current testing, magnetic particle testing, ultrasonic testing, and radiographic testing. Each test is specific to the material, component, structure, or system being tested.
Visual Examination – NDT technicians can use many different tools to inspect technology including lenses and fiber optic devices.
Liquid Dye Penetration Testing – with the use of fluorescent liquids, NDT technicians will stain surfaces to show imperfections viewed under ultraviolet light.
Eddy Current Testing – an NDT technician will pass an electric current through conductive materials to monitor the flow of current for any differences.
Magnetic Particle Testing – to see cracks and defects, NDT technicians use magnetic particles applied to magnetized ferrous materials.
Ultrasonic Testing – the use of high frequency sound pulses helps NDT technicians by reflecting signals from materials to see imperfections and defects.
Radiographic Testing – the use of X-rays help NDT technicians see imperfections inside materials.
Interpreting & Preparing Test Reports for Material Testing
After conducting the tests, the NDT technician will interpret and analyze the test results. During the interpretation phase, the NDT technician will look for flaws like acoustic emissions, leaks, liquid penetration, unknown vibrations, and anything that looks out of place. This will ensure that the materials are safe and the machinery is ready for use. However, if additional testing is needed, you will identify the safety of the materials. The production of some components may even be halted if serious flaws are found.
Calibrating and Maintaining Equipment
To ensure the accuracy of the non-destructive testing, an NDT technician will calibrate and maintain testing equipment. They will need to calibrate the settings based on the material being tested. Also, after a test, it is important for the NDT technician to make sure the equipment is ready for further use.
Developing Process for Safety
An NDT technician will create procedure checklists, conduct training of other NDT technicians, and demonstrate proper techniques for testing machinery and materials. It is important to develop proper procedure to keep everyone safe that is involved with the non-destructive test.
What Skills Do You Learn in an NDT Technician Program?
There are many different skills that will help you be a good NDT technician. The most important skills you will learn during an NDT technician program at a trade school include attention to detail, taking responsibility, and having good communication.
Skill #1: Attention to Detail
It is important to be meticulous while inspecting and testing parts and components. You will learn to use checklists and other review techniques, so you don’t miss any flaws. Each non-destructive test has its own protocols and procedures, and performing them properly will ensure that the materials, parts, and components you test are structurally sound.
Skill #2: Responsibility
As an NDT technician, you will be responsible for testing the safety of different parts and components. It is important to properly test all components for flaws and structural damage. Even the smallest flaw can be catastrophic. For instance, you will inspect and test parts for planes, automobiles, and blast furnaces. Taking responsibility for what you do is the most important skill you can have as an NDT technician.
Skill #3: Communication
You will be responsible for reporting your findings after each test. Having good communication skills will help you clearly and concisely convey the results. It will also be important to keep communication professional, so there are no misunderstandings.
How Do I Become an NDT Technician?
The best way to get in the industry as an NDT technician is to attend a non-destructive testing technician program at a trade school. Non-Destructive Testing Technician 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 NDT skills quickly and first-hand technical knowledge to feel confident entering the workforce.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know more about what an NDT technician does, are you interested in learning more about becoming a non-destructive testing technician? You can start earning in as little as 7 months after attending a full-time program. There is also an advanced NDT technician program that can be finished in 9 months. Either way, you will have the knowledge and training to test different materials, components, structures, and systems. Learn a new trade and become an NDT technician today.
Non-Destructive Testing Technician Diploma Program
The Advanced Non-Destructive Testing Technician Program from MIAT College of Technology provides 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 quickly and first-hand technical knowledge to feel confident entering the workforce.
To learn more about the Advanced Non-Destructive Testing 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 a non-destructive testing technician today.