Visual Testing

Visual testing (VT) is the oldest and most common nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques. It is typically the first step in the examination process to inspect a variety of product forms including castings, forgings, machined components and weld elements, according to the NDT Training & Test Center. Visual inspection is the process of examination and evaluation of systems and components by use of human sensory systems aided only by mechanical enhancements to sensory input such as magnifiers, dental picks, stethoscopes, and the like. The inspection process may be done using such behaviors as looking, listening, feeling, smelling, shaking, and twisting.