Our Work
At RedDot NDT, our projects reflect a commitment to precision, compliance, and real-world problem solving. From visual and liquid penetrant inspections on critical welds and components to the development of inspection procedures and written practices, each project is approached with the same attention to detail and industry rigor.
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Our past work spans manufacturing, repair, and shipbuilding environments, supporting clients with reliable VT and PT solutions that meet applicable codes, standards, and customer requirements. Every project is guided by ASNT Level III expertise, practical field experience, and a focus on delivering clear, defensible inspection results.
1 Casting Fail
Casting Discontinuity Identified During Liquid Penetrant Inspection
During a liquid penetrant examination of a machined casting, multiple linear and rounded indications were revealed on the internal bore surface. The indications were consistent with casting-related discontinuities, including surface-connected porosity and potential shrinkage-related defects exposed during final machining.
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The penetrant bleed-out patterns were clearly defined and repeatable after proper surface preparation and development, indicating true discontinuities rather than surface contamination. Several indications exceeded allowable acceptance criteria based on applicable specifications, resulting in a nonconforming condition.
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This inspection demonstrates the value of liquid penetrant testing in identifying latent casting defects that may not be visible during visual inspection alone, particularly after material removal exposes subsurface flaws. Early detection allowed the client to make informed decisions regarding repair, rejection, or engineering disposition before the component entered service.
2 Weld repair of a casting
Weld Repair Verified by Visual and Liquid Penetrant Testing
RedDot NDT performed visual and liquid penetrant testing to evaluate a weld repair on a fitting following corrective welding. The repair area was properly prepared by grinding and blending to ensure full access to the weld surface and adjacent heat-affected zone.
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Visual inspection confirmed acceptable weld profile, surface finish, and transition into the base material with no visible surface irregularities. Liquid penetrant testing was then conducted to verify the integrity of the repair. A localized, rounded penetrant indication was identified and measured using a calibrated weld gauge and transparent scale to assess size and relevance against applicable acceptance criteria.
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The inspection results provided clear, documented evidence of the repair condition, allowing the client to determine compliance and disposition with confidence. This project highlights the importance of post-repair VT and PT examinations to confirm weld soundness and prevent latent surface-breaking defects from entering service.
3 More Casting Fails
During inspection of a machined casting, visual examination identified an irregular circumferential condition at the transition between the flange and hub radius. The area was marked for further evaluation due to surface irregularities exposed after material removal.
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Liquid penetrant testing revealed a continuous circumferential linear indication following the contour of the machined radius. The indication was consistent with a casting-related discontinuity, likely associated with shrinkage, cold shut, or lack of fusion within the original casting that became surface-connected during machining.
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The penetrant bleed-out was well-defined and uniform around the circumference, confirming a true surface-breaking defect rather than a machining or handling artifact. The location and extent of the indication exceeded allowable acceptance limits per applicable specifications, resulting in a nonconforming condition.
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This project demonstrates the importance of VT and PT in detecting latent casting defects that may not be evident prior to final machining. Early identification allowed the client to evaluate repair feasibility or reject the component before it entered service.
4 NDT Practical Exam Test Plates Used for Technician Certification
These images show standardized flaw test plates used by RedDot NDT during practical examinations to certify Visual (VT) and Liquid Penetrant (PT) technicians. The plates contain known, controlled surface-breaking discontinuities designed to evaluate a technician’s ability to properly perform inspections, detect relevant indications, and accurately size and document findings.
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During the examination, candidates were required to:
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Perform proper surface preparation
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Apply penetrant in accordance with an approved procedure
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Develop and interpret indications
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Measure indication size using calibrated rulers and gauges
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Classify indications based on applicable acceptance criteria
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Accurately record results on inspection documentation
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The images show rounded and linear indications, including toe-crack style flaws, with measurements taken to verify technician accuracy and repeatability. These test plates provide a consistent, objective means of evaluating inspection technique, interpretation skills, and compliance with written procedures.
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This project reflects RedDot NDT’s commitment to high-integrity certification practices, ensuring technicians demonstrate real-world competence before qualification
