AiVibeQuality, Reliability & Maintenance
Radiographic Testing (RT)
Radiographic testing is a non-destructive testing method that passes X-rays or gamma rays through a component and records the transmitted radiation on film or a digital detector to reveal internal defects such as porosity, inclusions and cracks.
Radiation is absorbed more by thicker or denser regions and less by voids, so internal discontinuities appear as variations in density on the resulting image. Sources are X-ray tubes or radioactive isotopes such as iridium-192 and cobalt-60. Traditional radiography uses film, computed radiography uses reusable phosphor imaging plates, and digital radiography uses flat-panel detectors that produce images directly. Image quality indicators placed on the part verify that the technique achieves the required sensitivity.
RT is widely used for weld inspection in pipelines, pressure vessels, structural steel and shipbuilding, and for castings in aerospace, automotive and energy applications. It produces a permanent record of the inspection and is good at detecting volumetric defects such as porosity and slag inclusions. Computed tomography extends radiography to three-dimensional inspection of complex parts.
Planar defects such as cracks are detected reliably only when roughly aligned with the beam, and access to both sides of the part is generally needed. Ionising radiation is hazardous, so radiography is strictly regulated: work requires licensed sources, controlled areas, dosimetry and trained, authorised personnel under national radiation protection rules. Radiographic techniques for welds are specified in standards such as the ISO 17636 series.
Key points
- Uses X-rays or gamma rays to image internal structure.
- Film, computed radiography or digital detectors record the image.
- Good for volumetric defects; cracks must be aligned with the beam.
- Strictly regulated because of ionising radiation hazards.
Where AiVibe comes in
AiAmbA AI Factory use cases include predictive maintenance and visual inspection on textile, automotive and electronics lines. AiAmbA IoT normalises industrial signals from protocols such as OPC UA and MQTT, with driver availability confirmed per installation.
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