Paul Lang, chief global strategy officer for the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) and executive director for ASNT Certification Services LLC (ASNT CS), shares his thoughts on trends and liquid penetrant testing.

Batteries are key to electrification, demanding high-quality control and efficient production. The use of Automated Defect Recognition (ADR) and other technologies is critical as the industry aims to scale up to meet the rising demand from electronics, electric vehicles, and energy storage sectors, while also minimizing environmental impacts.

Corrosion prevention is vital for quality assurance in metal goods manufacturing. It helps avoid production delays and customer complaints from rust. Key strategies include four types of corrosion testing: VIA, humidity and salt fog, and iron chip testing. These tests aid in selecting effective protection methods and the right rust preventative dosage.

Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, is crucial for producing complex, accurate parts with minimal waste. Ensuring the quality of raw materials and finished metal parts is essential for its success. This paper emphasizes the need for compositional analysis and strict quality control in AM.

Eddy current inspection is one of the five main non-destructive testing (NDT) methods in the industry, alongside liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, and radiographic testing. Due to its complex theoretical basis, it is the least used and hardest to understand.

The aerospace industry relies on advanced nondestructive testing (NDT) to ensure safety and reliability. Automated technologies, such as phased arrays and 3D scanning, enhance defect detection in aircraft structures, reducing human error. This overview emphasizes the importance of these advancements.

In aerospace, lightweighting is crucial for fuel efficiency, range, and emissions. Material analysis and technology advancements offer weight reduction without sacrificing performance or safety.

FTIR is the primary method for material and contaminant identification but lacks sensitivity to metallic components. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) can fill this gap and improve identification accuracy.

Fatigue testing has made significant progress in recent years, especially in test and environmental conditions. Remote monitoring has advanced with the use of AI-enabled camera systems, making it easier to integrate legacy instruments.

NDT certification is essential for professionals in industries where material and structural integrity is critical. It demonstrates expertise and professionalism, benefiting individuals and organizations by improving career prospects, quality control, and compliance with industry standards.