Learn how NDT puts quality in Quality Control.



Quality Assurance vs. Quality Control



proactive quality process. Quality Control detects and corrects defects in an already finished product, so it is a reactive quality process. Quality Assurance and Quality Control are vital for structures and components that can develop flaws, defects, and cracks that will negatively affect performance. Nondestructive testing is frequently used in both Quality Assurance and Quality Control.



Some examples of structures and machines that use nondestructive testing for Quality Assurance and Quality Control include:

Buildings

Industrial components

Pipelines

Trains

Vehicles

Aircraft Although the terms may sound similar, Quality Assurance and Quality Control are unique processes. What is the difference between Quality Assurance and Quality Control? Quality Assurance prevents defects in a product, so it is aquality process. Quality Control detects and corrects defects in an already finished product, so it is aquality process. Quality Assurance and Quality Control are vital for structures and components that can develop flaws, defects, and cracks that will negatively affect performance. Nondestructive testing is frequently used in both Quality Assurance and Quality Control.

The Role of the NDT Technician in QA and QC

An NDT Technician plays a major role in Quality Assurance and Quality Control. A technician must choose the correct equipment, select appropriate techniques, use proper calibration standards, prepare the surface, and correctly follow procedures. If these parameters are not properly followed, it can affect the test results and the component may not be properly examined. NDT technicians must hold themselves accountable by following correct protocols.



The Role of Management in QA and QC

Management plays a role in Quality Assurance and Quality Control by leading the NDT team with proactive planning and execution of operations. Management also ensures procedures are followed correctly by providing appropriate training and equipment to technicians.

How Does NDT Put the ‘Quality’ in Quality Control?

1. Personnel Qualification and Certification

NDT technicians must have the appropriate certifications to perform certain jobs, and management is responsible for enforcing this. Although some processes have become automated in the NDT field, most nondestructive testing procedures still require human operators. Safety codes and regulations require certified personnel on job sites who have attained a certain level in that NDT method.



2. Training and Motivation

In conjunction with proper certification, NDT technicians and management must be well trained. Only through proper training can an NDT technician clearly distinguish ‘defects’ from ‘discontinuities’ in a component. Training also means recognizing the efforts of technicians and rewarding good results. Management should celebrate skilled and experienced NDT technicians, because they are vital to the success of an NDT operation. A motivated NDT Operator can save the organization from huge economic losses with the detection and reporting of defects.



3. Facilities and Storage



Adequate facilities and storage are necessary for achieving the best results in NDT. For example, with Radiographic Testing, a dark room facility must be maintained and chemicals must be properly stored. These measures ensure that the radiographs are accurate. Valuable time and money would be wasted if the radiographs were not correctly stored leading to a bad exposure.



4. Procedures



The purpose of the NDT procedure is to ensure that the inspection process is applied consistently so that expected results can be achieved with confidence. This is one of the basic principles of Quality Assurance. Each NDT method has certain essential variables which should be captured in the written procedure and monitored during the implementation. NDT procedures should be reviewed and approved by the authorized and qualified personnel in the respective NDT methods. Any change in the essential variable is a cause for revision of the procedure.



5. Codes and Standards



Nondestructive testing methods (NDT) can be used for Quality Assurance and Quality Control. Since NDT and Quality Control are intertwined, nondestructive testing companies can receive certification from Standardization and Quality Control organizations such as:

• The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

• The American Welding Society and the International Institute of Welding

• The International Committee for Nondestructive Testing (ICNDT)



NDT personnel who interpret and evaluate the test results should be aware of the codes and standards relevant to the products being inspected, in addition to the customer specifications. Certain codes and standards have specific requirements for the qualification of the NDT personnel, test sensitivity, and criteria acceptance.



• The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)• The American Welding Society and the International Institute of Welding• The International Committee for Nondestructive Testing (ICNDT)

Citations

Cartz, L. (n.d.). Quality Control and NDT. Retrieved October 29, 2019, from https://www.asminternational.org/documents/10192/1849770/06390G_Sample.pdf/7ecde794-7491-420d-9a74-621dba442407.

Krishnamoorthy, K. (n.d.). Quality Assurance in NDT . Retrieved from https://www.ndt.net/article/ndt-canada2009/papers/21.pdf.