Liquid Penetrant Testing Level 1 (PT-1) Practice Exam

What term describes the period from developer application to inspection in penetrant testing?

1. Inspection time

2. Development time

3. Penetration time

4. Application time

The correct answer is: Development time

The period from developer application to inspection in penetrant testing is referred to as development time. This stage is critical because the developer serves to draw the penetrant out of the flaws and onto the surface, making them more visible during inspection. The effectiveness of the developer is dependent on the amount of time it is allowed to remain on the test surface, as this period allows for adequate migration of the penetrant out of any discontinuities. Understanding the significance of development time is essential for ensuring that all potential defects are properly highlighted before inspection. If the development time is too short, the penetrant may not fully migrate out of the discontinuities, leading to a possibility of missing critical defects. Therefore, recognizing the importance of this timeframe is crucial for effective liquid penetrant testing.