Automated dye penetrant systems with process control and documentation in the aerospace industry

Recently, Tiede GmbH developed an automated dye penetrant system that meets the exact specifications and requirements of aircraft manufacturers. In this system, the penetrant is applied into the surface to be inspected by spraying or immersing. The dye penetrates into the defect specimen due to adhesion and capillary attraction. This process, called dwell time, is followed by washing process conducted in a well defined duration, water pressure and temperature to avoid over washing. After the clean surface is dried by warm air, bleedout process starts. During the process, the penetrant liquid contained inside pores and cracks starts to crawl back to the surface of the part to be inspected. A developer is applied to enhance the penetrant bleedout and finally, surface defects are inspected using a UV light source. An automated system for dye penetrant inspection is also introduced.