Top Skills Every Non-Destructive Technician Should Have

More companies are looking for a non-destructive technician to inspect for any defects in their equipment or facilities without destroying anything. A crack inside a weld or weakness on the surface can lead to failure and costly repairs, yet it may not be visible during a routine check. This is where non-destructive testing (NDT) comes in.

A non-destructive technician uses specialized inspection methods that find every defect without further damaging the equipment or facilities. They are specialized in different industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, aerospace, power generation, and many others.

So, what are the top skills that make a perfect non-destructive technician? This article will explain more.

Strong Technical Knowledge

The non-destructive technician should have a solid understanding of materials, equipment, and inspection processes. This is because different equipment and materials can behave differently when exposed to different testing methods.

They should understand ultrasonic testing (UT), radiographic testing (RT), magnetic particle testing (MT), and visual testing (VT), among others. Each of these options has its pros and cons, and the technician should have a strong knowledge of how they work.

Excellent Attention to Detail from a Non-Destructive Technician

This is arguably one of the most important skills of a non-destructive technician. The process involves identifying even the smallest irregularities that can lead to bigger repairs if ignored. Therefore, they should not miss such details.

The best practice is to follow each testing procedure diligently, record details accurately, examine results thoroughly, and verify findings carefully. This is what non-destructive technicians at ARI are trained to do.

Problem-Solving Skills

Another type of skill every non-destructive technician should have is problem-solving skills. The inspection process does not always provide straightforward answers. Instead, it can reveal clues that require analytical skills to piece together.

Such skills usually help technicians to make informed decisions, speed up testing processes, and save companies a lot of costs.

Equipment-Handling Skills

Although it may look less important, proper handling of equipment is crucial. Actually, this is what defines a non-destructive technician. Modern technicians use specialized tools and technology; they need to know how to use these properly.

This includes understanding the settings on the tools, knowing how to operate the equipment during testing, recognizing abnormal behavior of equipment, and the like.

Technology evolves, and technicians should adapt to changes to enable them to handle equipment properly.

Non-Destructive Technicians File Accurate Reports

Finally, a non-destructive technician is supposed to give a report. They should know how to document the process and create a conclusive report. The reports usually help the owners to make informed decisions, act before bigger defects and issues appear, and save costs and time.

The good thing is that technicians can rely on reporting tools and other reporting SOPs to make fast and detailed reports.

Final Words

If you are trying to choose a non-destructive technician, ensure that they have the above skills. You can use a recruiting consultant or engage a reputable NDT company. This will come with a lot of benefits to your company, especially in terms of cost and time.