Destructive Testing (DT)

As the name suggests, destructive testing (DT) includes methods where your material is broken down in order to determine mechanical properties, such as strength, toughness and hardness. In practice it means, for example, finding out if the quality of a weld is good enough to withstand extreme pressure or to verify the properties of a material.
These properties cant be examined with non-destructive methods, as specimens of the material must be extracted. Destructive testing is generally most suitable and economic for mass produced objects, as the cost of destroying a small number of pieces is negligible. The samples are put under different loads and stress. That way we can analyze in which point your material eventually gives up and cracks. The results gained are then compared to regulations and/or quality guidelines. Destructive tests are best when used together with our non-destructive methods: this combination gives the best information on materials and welds. Non-destructive tests show if cracks, corrosion or other faults exist. Destructive tests in turn indicate how and when the objects are in danger of breaking down or failing. Inspectas destructive testing services include mechanical testing (tensile, bend and impact tests), hardness testing, macro and micro testing as well as material analysis and metallographic examinations. Inspecta has its own, accredited destructive testing laboratories in several countries. We are also able to execute your required tests at our own workshops. This way we can ensure you get the best service and the most suitable testing methods.

Benefits of Destructive Testing (DT)

Verifies properties of a material Determines quality of welds Helps you to reduce failures, accidents and costs Ensures compliance with regulations

Destructive Testing Lab Services

WTTI performs the following Destructive Testing Lab Services in our accredited laboratory:

Guided Bend Specimens Fillet Weld Fracture Testing Transverse Tensile Testing All Weld Metal Tensile Testing Hardness Testing Macro Etching Micro Examiniation Sectioning, Mounting and Polishing

Guided Bend Specimens

Guided bend tests are used to determine the quality of the welded joint, as well as the degree of penetration and fusion to the base metal. Fillet Weld Fracture Testing Fillet weld fracture testing is done by breaking the welded joint with force and then visually inspecting the fractured area to determine weld penetration and quality. Transverse Tensile Testing Tensile strength is defined as stress in pounds per square inch. The transverse strength of groove welds is measured by applying tensile stress on the test specimens to calculate the ultimate strength of a welded joint. All Weld Metal Tensile Testing In an all weld metal tensile test, the specimen is prepared from all weld metal. This type of specimen is prepared by machining a groove in a plate of steel and then completely filling the groove with deposited weld metal. The surrounding steel is then machined away leaving a specimen of weld metal. The purpose of such testing is to test welding filler metal mechanical properties for their suitability for the job concerned and/or the quality of deposited metal in welded joint. Hardness Testing Brinell: The Brinell test is frequently done on large parts and are used to determine the hardness of forgings and castings that have a grain structure too course for Rockwell or Vickers testing.

Rockwell: The Rockwell hardness test method consists of indenting the test material with a diamond cone or hardened steel ball indenter. The advantage is the rapid testing time on hard materials. Vickers - Microhardness: Vickers Microhardness testing of metals, ceramics, and composites is useful for a variety of applications such as testing very thin materials like foils, measuring individual microstructures within a larger matrix, or measuring the hardness gradients of a part along the cross section.

Macro Etching Macro Etching examination gives a broad picture of the specimen by studying relatively large sectioned areas. Macro examination reveals cracks, slag inclusion, blowholes, shrinkage porosity, weld penetration, and the boundary between the weld metal and the base metal by removing small samples of the welded joint. Micro Examination Micro Etch examination involves areas much smaller than those considered in macro etch examination. Micro examination determines cracks and inclusions of microscopic size, grain boundaries and solidification structures of weld metal, heat affected zone and the base metal, distribution of micro constituents in the weld metal and the quality of heat treatment in a welded specimen. Sectioning, Mounting, and Polishing Sectioning, mounting and polishing are performed in conjunction with one another to hold small parts for cross section etching and examination. This allows for evaluation of very small parts that would otherwise be inaccessible to destructive examination.

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