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Radiographic Testing (RT) is a widely used non‑destructive testing (NDT) method that employs X‑rays or gamma rays to examine the internal structure of materials and components. RT provides a volumetric inspection, allowing the detection of internal defects that are not visible on the surface, making it a critical inspection technique for safety‑critical industries.
What is Radiographic Testing (RT)?
Radiographic Testing is an NDT technique where ionizing radiation passes through a component and is captured on radiographic film or a digital detector.

Variations in material thickness or density affect radiation absorption, producing an image (radiograph) that reveals internal discontinuities such as cracks, voids, and inclusions. This method is comparable to medical X‑ray imaging but is applied to industrial components and welds.

Key Technical Features

Uses X‑ray or gamma‑ray radiation sources

Uses X‑ray or gamma‑ray radiation sources

Provides true volumetric inspection

Provides true volumetric inspection

Detects internal and subsurface defects

Detects internal and subsurface defects

Produces permanent inspection records

Produces permanent inspection records

Applicable to a wide range of materials and thicknesses

Applicable to a wide range of materials and thicknesses

What RT Detects

Radiographic Testing is effective in identifying:

Weld defects (porosity, lack of fusion, slag inclusions)

Weld defects (porosity, lack of fusion, slag inclusions)

MT can detect very small surface and slightly subsurface flaws that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Cracks and voids

Cracks and voids

The method is quick to apply and economical, making it ideal for production and shutdown inspections.

Shrinkage and internal cavities

Shrinkage and internal cavities

Defect indications are visible instantly, allowing rapid evaluation and decision‑making.

Corrosion and erosion

Corrosion and erosion

MT equipment can be portable, enabling inspection in workshops, field locations, and at height.

Assembly and fabrication defects

Assembly and fabrication defects

Effective on components with irregular geometries such as fillet welds, nozzles, and cast parts.

Key Benefits of Radiographic Testing

Volumetric Inspection Capability

Volumetric Inspection Capability

RT provides a complete view of internal structures, unlike surface‑based NDT methods.

High Reliability for Weld Inspection

High Reliability for Weld Inspection

Highly dependable for detecting internal weld defects in pipelines, pressure vessels, and structures.

Permanent Inspection Records

Permanent Inspection Records

Radiographs (film or digital) can be archived for traceability, audits, and future comparison.

Wide Material Applicability

Wide Material Applicability

Suitable for metals, composites, ceramics, and some polymers.

Proven & Code‑Accepted Method

Proven & Code‑Accepted Method

RT is recognized and accepted by major international codes and standards.

Typical Applications
Oil & Gas
Petrochemical & Refineries
Power Generation
Aerospace & Defense
Manufacturing & Fabrication

Common Inspection Applications

Pipeline and pressure vessel weld inspection

Pipeline and pressure vessel weld inspection

Structural and fabrication welds

Structural and fabrication welds

Castings and forgings

Castings and forgings

Storage tanks and piping systems

Storage tanks and piping systems

New construction and in‑service inspections

New construction and in‑service inspections

How the RT Process Works

Certified and experienced RT inspectors

Certified and experienced RT inspectors

Film‑based and digital RT capability

Film‑based and digital RT capability

Compliance with ASME, ISO, API, and project specifications

Compliance with ASME, ISO, API, and project specifications

Safe inspection practices with strict radiation control

Safe inspection practices with strict radiation control

Reliable inspection for fabrication and in‑service applications

Reliable inspection for fabrication and in‑service applications

Why Choose Our Radiographic Testing Services

Certified and experienced RT inspectors

Certified and experienced RT inspectors

Film‑based and digital RT capability

Film‑based and digital RT capability

Compliance with ASME, ISO, API, and project specifications

Compliance with ASME, ISO, API, and project specifications

Safe inspection practices with strict radiation control

Safe inspection practices with strict radiation control

Reliable inspection for fabrication and in‑service applications

Reliable inspection for fabrication and in‑service applications

Contact us at NIsales@setsco.com to discuss your project requirements.